Kaneland Varsity Softball defeats Woodstock North in regional championship

By: Sarah Slattery, Centerspread Editor • May 30, 2024

The Kaneland High School varsity softball team hosted Woodstock North High School for an Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Regional championship game. The Knights and the Thunder battled it out in the seven inning game, eventually resulting in a 2-1 victory for the Knights. Junior shortstop Angelina Campise (12) was a huge asset to the Knights. She started the game with a hit that was followed by an error on the second baseman, allowing her to get on base. (Photo By Sarah Slattery)

Sophomore pitcher Brynn Woods (15) dominated the entire seven inning game, allowing only four hits and one earned run. She struck out 13 and didn’t allow any walks.
“I try to use a lot of positive self-talk while I pitch. I will tell myself [that I] got it, and I always know that the people behind me will get it done if I mess up,” Woods said. (Photo By Sarah Slattery)

The Knights battled their way through the game with their bats. Angelina Campise (12) had two singles and a home run, senior Bree Crosby (11) had two singles and senior Isabelle Stombres (14) added a double. There were also a couple walks that allowed players to get on base. The players who got on via walk were senior Sammy Dunne (1), senior Katie Congoran (13), senior Corrine Pugh (22) and sophomore Brynn Woods (15). There were also at bats where players really had to battle at the plate. Some of these performances were demonstrated by senior Bree Crosby (11), senior Samantha Dennis (3) and sophomore Natalie Nabb (4).
“I think we did a pretty good job executing when necessary. It was back and forth for both teams for a while, but we did string a lot of bats together in the end,” Dennis said. (Photo By Sarah Slattery)

Senior Isabelle Stombres (14) makes a catch in center field, leading to the second out in that inning. Senior Bree Crosby (11) also had a catch in right field.
“I love playing both infield and outfield. I’m glad that I can be a utility player for my team when necessary or needed,” Dennis said. (Photo By Sarah Slattery)

Junior Angelina Campise (12) followed a few players’ hits with a home run that brought in two runs. After the home run, the entire team ran onto the field and crowded around home plate waiting for Campise to touch it. Once she touched the plate, the entire team jumped up and down, cheering loudly and smacking her helmet in celebration.
“Whether it’s a home run, single or good defensive play, any time I can contribute I feel like I am doing my job for the team,” Campise said. (Photo By Sarah Slattery)

The most influential play of the game included senior catcher Corrine Pugh (22) and junior Angelina Campise (12). One of Woodstock North’s players got on base in the sixth inning and was caught stealing by Pugh on the tag from Campise. Had Pugh not thrown out this runner at second, the runner would have been in scoring position, leading to a potential tied game. (Photo By Sarah Slattery)

Sophomore Brynn Woods (15) ended the game with a strikeout. The entire team rushed to go hug her before shaking hands with the opposing team. Before they could go get their plaque, they met as a team out in right field, as they traditionally do after home games. They cheered and celebrated before talking about their accomplishments during the game.
“I went into that last pitch knowing that I had my full trust in the people behind me and [the] pitch call from Corrine [Pugh],” Woods said. “When the player swung and missed, I had a huge relief pass through my body, and [I] was so excited to celebrate with my whole team.” (Photo By Sarah Slattery)

Finally, the Kaneland varsity softball team rushed to grab the IHSA Regional championship plaque from Athletic & Activities Director David Rohlman. The team will play the Sycamore Spartans at Sycamore High School on Thursday, May 30.
“It doesn’t matter who we play. The goal is to be the last one standing at the end of the season,” Campise said. (Photo By Sarah Slattery)

About the Contributor

Sarah Slattery

Sarah Slattery, Design and Photography Executive

Name: Sarah Slattery Position: Design and Photography Executive Graduation year: 2025 A few sentences about me: Some of my hobbies include playing softball, taking pictures at a multitude of sports events, my favorite being football and basketball games, and drinking coffee. I can't wait to continue taking pictures at all of Kaneland's events and having fun with everyone. My favorite… Movie: The Notebook Show: The Queen's Gambit/Breaking Bad Animal: Elephants Hobby: Photography and Traveling Book: Divergent by Veronica Roth Food: Crab Rangoons Song: Stuck with Me: The Neighbourhood Band / Artist: Zach Bryan and The Neighbourhood