LNT_Congratulations St. Bede Softball_061023

‘Mudita’ carries St. Bede to rst State championship

By Kevin Hieronymus khieronymus@bcrnews.com

PEORIA – There’s one phrase that tells the secret to the St. Bede Bruins state championship success - “Mudita.”

Mudita is word from sanskrit that has no counterpart in English, meaning joy in the good fortune of others.

St. Bede junior catcher Bella Pinter said it means “having the same amount of happiness for someone else as if you did it yourself. “

“That’s what these girls do. I know you hear it in interviews. They might talk about themselves for one second, but they’re always putting it off on their teammate. ‘My teammate had my back,’” St. Bede coach Shawn Sons said.

“And that’s the cornerstone of our program. That’s what we try to do and instill that in our girls.”

It’s all about mudita, Pinter said.

“The one thing we talk about all the time is knowing your role and knowing that even if you’re not on the field, your position on the bench is still important,” she said. “I think that’s what keeps our energy up. There are times that the girls on the field do not have the energy and get the dugout up. Those girls that are on the bench, they know their role is to get every

one hyped and get the crowd excited.

“That energy is what drove us the whole season, especially the postseason.”

Pinter practices mudita every game when she gives way to courtesy runners when she gets on base. She knows it’s her role to get on base and it’s others roles to run for her.

“I love to base run. Knowing some girls are faster than me and that’s their role and I have to accept it,” she said.

Junior first baseman Maddy Dalton hasn’t been able to hit since injuring her left shoulder swinging in the sectional championship. And while she wanted to really bat, she knew she had others ready to do the job for her.

It’s mudita.

“It sucks, because I really wanted to hit,” she said. “But it’s OK, because we have so many girls on the bench that are really good. They can all get the job done.”

Senior Madelyn Torrance, who had the game-winning hit in the championship game on her final swing, was confident the Bruins would pull it out by sticking together.

“We never give up. We knew from the start, if we got down, we were going to get back up,” she said. “We knew whatever happened, we had each other’s back and we always love and appreciate each other.”

Pinter said the Bruins knew it was going to be a battle, as the state championship game proved, and knew it was important to stick together.

“We all woke up, had breakfast and said you know what, ‘We’re in the

SAINT BEDE ACADEMY CONGRATULATES THEIR LADY BRUINS!

final 2 of the whole state. It’s going to be a hard game.’ And we knew we couldn’t give up and no matter what we were going to have each other’s back,” she said.

It’s all about mudita.

You played a stellar season and made your school and community very proud!

St. Bede head softball coach Shawn Sons reacts after winning the Class 1A State championship over Illini Blu s on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria.

Photos by: Scott Anderson – sanderson@shawmedia.com

St. Bede State Champion Roster

No. Name Year

0Jillian PinterFr.

2Alyssa EngelsSr.

3Macy HarttJr.

4Ella MudgeFr.

6Chipper RossiFr.

7Maci KellySo.

8Lily BosnichFr.

11Lillian SolimanFr.

15Bella PinterJr.

16Lili McClainFr.

17Madelyn TorranceSr.

18Bailey EngelsSo.

22Ella HermesJr.

23Addie BontzSr.

26Emma SlingsbyFr.

30Quinn McClainSo.

31Abbi MichelsSr.

32Maddy DaltonJr.

34Tessa DugoshJr.

42Ava BalestriFr.

48Reagan StoudtJr.

St. Bede players receive all-state recognition

By Kevin Hieronymus khieronymus@bcrnews.com

Four members of the St. Bede softball team, who played key roles leading the Bruins to the Class 1A State championship, have received AllState recognition.

Junior pitchers Reagan Stoudt and Ella Hermes were named to the Illinois Softball Coaches Association Class 1A All-State First Team. Stoudt was the winning pitcher in the super

sectional while Hermes picked up two wins at sectional and two wins at State.

Senior first baseman Madelyn Torrance and senior outfielder Addie Bontz were named to the second team.

Bruins earn all-conference honors

League champ St. Bede headed up the 2023 Three Rivers East All-Conference softball team with nine selections.

Senior outfielder Addie Bontz, ju-

nior pitchers Reagan Stoudt and Ella Hermes, junior infielder Maddy Dalton and freshman utility Ava Balestri were all named to the First Team. Bontz and Stoudt were named unan imously.

Also for St. Bede, junior Bella Pinter (C) and freshman Emma Slingsby (OF) were named to the second team and senior Madelyn Torrance (OF) and junior Tessa Dugosh (OF) received honorable mention.

Photos by: Scott Anderson – sanderson@shawmedia.com

Members of the St. Bede softball team run to the out eld between innings in the Class 1A Regional nal game on Saturday, May 20, 2023 in Annawan.

St. Bede players share what winning State means to them

By Kevin Hieronymus khieronymus@bcrnews.com

BCR Sports Editor Kevin Hieronymus asked each member of the St. Bede softball team what winning State means to them. Here’s their answers.

Ava Balestri (#42, Freshman/U)

“To me winning state is an experience I will never forget. Being a part of this team has taught me so much not only on the field but off the field too. The upperclassmen were great role models and I wouldn’t want anyone else to look up to. To be a part of St.Bede history is a big privilege and I’m excited to see what the next seasons have in store for us.”

Addie Bontz (#23, Senior/CF)

“Winning state to me means I got to end my senior year in the best way possible. Winning state has always been our dream since day one. As a team we knew we had to go game by game though. Watching the film over still gives me chills. I haven’t had such a good team bond before. The girls on this team individually are amazing.

Not just their athletic ability, but their love towards all of us and the game. Before the game we all talked about how no matter what happened we were all proud of each-other and so thankful to be there. We are that team that doesn’t get mad at someone for a mistake. We know we need to step up and help that person out. As a senior on this team I know it is my job to be a leader. This year has taught me that everyone on this team is a leader. I didn’t doubt that we weren’t going to win state. I knew that with this team and these girls and coaches, we could do it.”

Maddy Dalton (#32, Junior/1B)

“It feels so amazing, rewarding and everything I ever could have imagined and more. Also it feels great, because I didn’t want to end up like my dad and his friends talking about how they could have been state champs.”

Tessa Dugosh (#34, Junior/OF)

“I cannot even begin to describe how amazing it feels to win State. The best part about it is knowing how hard the girls and I worked to get here. Everyone put in 100% effort, always. We really earned it.”

Alyssa Engels (#2, Senior/OF)

“Winning state means everything to me especially doing it with this group of girls. We have made unbreakable bonds on and off the field that made winning with them even more special. Leaving high school and the sport of softball as St. Bede state champions is something I will hold on to forever.”

Macy Hartt (#3, Junior/OF)

“To win a championship means a lot not only to me, but my whole team. We put in a lot of hard work throughout the whole season and we saw it pay off. It is an awesome feeling to be apart of such a great group of girls and coaches and make SBA history.”

Ella Hermes (#22, Junior/P-SS)

“This State championship means the world to me, because of all of the hard work and effort me and my team have put into the game.”

Maci Kelly (#7, Sophomore/C-U)

“Winning a state championship means so much. We worked so hard this season to get how far we did. One of our program models is mu -

dita, meaning being as happy for others as for yourself. I got injured at the end of the season and wasn’t able to play, but I was still there to support the team all the way. It was surreal to even have the opportunity to witness the making of history that we accomplished.”

Lilli McClain (#16, Freshman/C-U)

“To me, winning State was a memory I know I will never forget. For this to happen to me is still so crazy to think about. Since we were given this opportunity, I have become so much closer with all of my teammates and made so many fun memories along the way. I am so glad to be apart of this historical team and so thankful all of the upperclassman made me feel so welcomed. This will always be a highlight of my life and one of the best things that has ever happened to me.”

Quinn McClain (#30, Junior/SS)

‘To me, winning State means so much. I am so grateful for the opportunity to play on this team. This team was able to make history and be the first team to win state at St. Bede

‘Leaving high school and the sport of softball as St. Bede state champions is something I will hold on to forever’

Academy for girls softball. It’s actually crazy to think we won state. I get chills every time I think about it. We had great leaders and coaches on our team, everyone gave their everything no matter how down we were. Winning state was such a good experience and it’ll be a memory that stays with me forever.”

Abby Michels (#31, Senior/OF)

“Winning the state championship was bittersweet. It marked the end of my softball career, but I was able to make memories that will last me a lifetime and I am very grateful for that.”

Ella Mudge (#4, Freshman/C-U)

“Winning the State championship means everything to me. I know how hard we all have worked all season to get to this point. I feel closer to my teammates than ever and I’m so motivated and excited to start playing again next season. It was such a honor to be apart of the St. Bede softball program.”

Bella Pinter (#15, Junior/C)

“Winning state with these girls is such and honor and a privilege. I am so incredibly proud of these girls and how far we have come this season. Being the first female sports team at St Bede to win state is something we will never forget and most likely share

with our kids. The hard work and dedication we all, coaches included, have put in to the season is something I hope we can continue to use in all aspects of our lives. I am so thankful for this opportunity with such amazing people.”

Jillian Pinter (#00, Freshman/1B)

“To me, winning State means getting to experience softball at a higher level with girls who I’ve grown to see as my sisters.”

Chipper Rossi (#6, Freshman/P)

“Winning State for me wasn’t just another game, it was a memory I will get to cherish forever. Rather I played on the field or sat in the dugout I was a team player, I always cheered my heart out and participated in our term, mudita, which means celebrating others successes. That term is so important not only for a team, but for a person. Being able to be there to cheer on my teammates and their successes as they walked off that field was more than I could ever ask for.

I’m proud to say I’m a part of St. Bede and I made history, I hope we can do it again and I myself work hard as a player to bring us all back.”

Emma Slingsby (#26, Freshman/LF)

“Winning State means to me that we as a team work well together. We

understand and respect each other on and off the field. We understand that things will happen, and we work to pick others up if they do make a mistake. We don’t just respect our teammates. We respect our coaches, the opposing team, their coaches, the umpires, and our devoted fans. That is what winning State means to me.”

Lily Soliman (#11, Freshman/OF)

“Winning State to me is a huge honor and a great motivator, because now I want to work harder to become the State champion for the next three years at St. Bede. It motivates me to practice even harder and to continue to get better everyday. Winning State was an amazing team bonding experience. I feel closer to my coaches and teammates than I ever have been. I am honored to go to St. Bede and to be a part of the St. Bede softball program.”

Reagan Stoudt (#48, Junior/3B-P)

“For me, winning state means so much. It reflects all of the work this team has put in this season. Being the first female sports team in St. Bede history to win state is something we will remember forever and carry with pride. I am so proud of how far we have come this year and the level of softball we were able to achieve this year.”

Madelyn Torrance (#17, Senior/2B)

“It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Lily Bosnich (#8, Freshman/IF)

“To me winning state was a dream come true. I’m so glad I got to experience this amazing opportunity with the most incredible people. There were so many leaders for me to turn to and look up to, I wouldn’t ask for anyone else to make history with. The moments and memories that we made as a team are ones that I will never forget. There was so much support from the past, present, and future Bruins as well as the whole area and community.”

Bailey Engels (#18, Sophomore)

“Having the opportunity to be apart of a team that was able to make school history is a feeling that I will never forget. Winning the state championship allowed me to spend time with my teammates, especially the seniors that I won’t get to play with next year. All of the coaches were so supportive throughout the whole season and the impact that they had on our team will never be forgotten. Winning state is an experience that many people do not get, and I am forever grateful for being one of the few people that get to experience the truly unforgettable opportunity.”

St. Bede’s Madelyn Torrence reaches home as Annawan/ Wethers eld’s Karsyn Rico misses the tag in the Class 1A Regional nal game on Saturday, May 20, 2023 in Annawan.

St. Bede’s Emma Slingsby slides back into third base as Biggsvillle’s Shelby Bowman in the Class 3A Sectional championship game on Friday, May 26, 2023 at St. Bede Academy.

St. Bede’s Ella Hermes delivers a pitch to Biggsville in the Class 3A Sectional champi- onship game on Fri- day, May 26, 2023 at St. Bede Academy.

St. Bede’s Ella Hermes smacks a three-run home run in the Class 3A Sectional championship game on Friday, May 26, 2023 at St. Bede Academy.

St. Bede’s Madelyn Torrence reacts after hitting a double against Goreville in the Class 1A State semi nal game on Friday, June 2, 2023 at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria.

Photos by: Scott Anderson –

St. Bede’s Emma Slingsby slides underneath the tag of Illini Blu s catcher Lexi Brinkman in

the Class 1A State championship game on

3,

St.

Photos by: Scott Anderson – sanderson@shawmedia.com

St. Bede’s Lily Bosnich lays down a bunt in the Class 1A State championship game on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria.

St. Bede’s Emma Slingsby leaps in the air with excitement after scoring a run against Illini Blu s in the Class 1A State championship game on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria.

Photos by: Scott Anderson – sanderson@shawmedia.com

St. Bede adminstration and coaches applaud after winning the Class 1A State championship over Illini Blu s on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria.

Sue Heider Spencer Luecke Mark Witek Steve Witek Kristy Pytel Amy Noy

Photos by: Scott Anderson – sanderson@shawmedia.com

(From left) St. Bede’s Tessa Dalton, Maddy Dalton, Bella Pinter and Ella Hermes celebrate behined home plate after winning the Class 1A State championship over Illini Blu s on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria.

St. Bede’s Maddy Dalton makes. a catch at rst base in the Class 3A Sectional championship game on Friday, May 26, 2023 at St. Bede Academy.

Photos by: Scott Anderson – sanderson@shawmedia.com St. Bede’s Addison Bontz is introduced before the Class 1A State championship game against Illini Blu s on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria.

Members of the St. Bede Lady Bruins softball team pose with the Class 1A championship trophy after defeating Illini Blu s on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria.

Photos by: Scott Anderson – sanderson@shawmedia.com

Former St. Bede players enjoy Bruins success

By Kevin Hieronymus khieronymus@bcrnews.com

PEORIA – It was a good day to be a Bruin, past and present.

Several former St. Bede softball players were in the crowd at the IHSA State Softball Tournament over the weekend enjoying the Bruins march to the Class 1A state championship.

They all still take great pride in the Bruins program.

“I still have love for St. Bede. I coached freshmen basketball last year, so I know a lot of these kids. It’s very exciting,” said Mo Dean, a senior first baseman on the Bruins’ fourthplace state squad in 2013.

Dean has great memories of playing at state.

“It was great. All of my friends were on the team, and we just kept going. Had great support from the fans and our parents. It was such a fun season,” she said.

Tara [Kunkel] Knauf, who was a junior outfielder for the 2013 state team, said this year’s team will form the same bonds hers did.

“It is definitely a memory I will never forget,” she said. “I am so incredibly happy for the team, because this will be an experience that they will remember forever. This memory will bond them forever as teammates and friends.

“While watching them play, it is clear that they have the determination, dedication and leadership that it takes to win a state championship. I can’t wait to see these girls continue to succeed on the field in the future. Definitely a great day to be a Bruin.”

Memories of playing St. Bede softball are fresh for Payge Pyszka, who played along many of this year’s players on last year’s sectional finalists and now plays for Clarke College.

“It’s real exciting to see the people that I used to play with just a year ago continue to play with the passion for the game and go out there and do their thing. It’s really nice to see them fight even when they know they’re

going to come up against some hard teams,” she said.

“Of course, I wish I was out there, but I’m super excited for them. I feel no matter how far I go, I’ll still have a part on this team. And being able after the games to talk to them and see that they’re so happy, and I’m here supporting them, makes me want to keep coming back. That’s all about what St. Bede is. It’s family. So it feels good that I’m still a part of that family.”

Three former Bruins in attendance have family ties to this year’s state champions.

Maggie Sons, the daughter of St. Bede head coach Shawn Sons, was a member of the 2019 state team. She said winning state is a monumental accomplishment for the Academy, especially its girls athletic programs.

“It was an amazing journey to watch the girls conquer,” she said. “Before the game Saturday, there hadn’t been a female sports team at St. Bede win state, and to see them push all the way to the end and accomplish such an incredible thing is not only empowering for the team but female sports teams at St. Bede as well as the school as a whole.

“As you’ve heard ‘Mudita’ is the cornerstone that the softball team is built on. I can’t even count on my hands the amount of texts I received from my team who previously went to state, saying how proud they are of the team and Coach Sons. We are all so happy to see the success of St. Bede softball.”

Sons is especially proud of her dad.

“I don’t think people truly understand or can wrap their head around the amount of work, sweat, and energy my dad has put into the season let along the program. To see him win a state championship is everything he deserves,” she said.

Claire Morrow, whose dad, Mike, is an assistant coach, was also on the 2019 state team. Her family has been a part of the program for a decade dating back to her cousin, Gabby Morrow, on the 2013 team, and her

cousin, Emma Slingsby, a freshman on this year’s team.

She said it’s been nice to see the progression from fourth place in 2013, to third place in 2019 to first place this year.

“It brought back a lot of great memories. I couldn’t be happier for the girls and coaches, and I’m very proud of them all. It was fun to watch the team, especially my cousin Emma,” Morrow said.

“I’m excited to watch the girls for the seasons to come. I had the pleasure of playing with a lot of the upperclassmen on the team, and I’ve enjoyed watching them grow into the wonderful athletes they are. I also had the same coaches when I played and I’m so thankful to have experienced playing for them, especially my dad.”

Ryann Stoudt, whose sister, Reagan, is a standout pitcher/third baseman for the Bruins, is just a year removed from wearing the St. Bede green, having played on the state team in 2019 as a freshman. The Quincy University player couldn’t have been any happier for her sister and former teammates.

“I am beyond proud of the team as a whole, and I’m even prouder of my sister,” she said. “Watching Reagan the last couple of weeks reminded me

of how far she has come as an individual, and I’m so excited to see what she does in her final season of high school ball and in college on the field.

“I didn’t get to see them play in their regular season, but I was very impressed by their postseason games. It’s crazy to see how the girls have developed into the fantastic players they are today.”

Twice as nice for Three Rivers

The Three Rivers Conference had not one, but two state champions crowned Saturday.

Rockridge, the Three Rivers West champions, won its third straight Class 2A state championship, defeating Beecher 7-1 later in the afternoon after St. Bede’s 1A victory.

St. Bede was the Three Rivers East champions.

Rockridge won its first of four state titles in 2005. The only other Three Rivers team to win state was Morrison in 2011 (2A).

St. Bede second champ from Illinois Valley

St. Bede becomes the first softball team from the Illinois Valley in 30 years to win state and only the second ever.

Streator was the first, winning the AA title in 1983.

Here’s a look at the St. Bede Bruins’ postseason path to the IHSA Class 1A State championship:

By Kevin Hieronymus khieronymus@bcrnews.com

Class 1A Wethersfield Regional St. Bede 16, Midland 0 (4 inn.):

The No. 1-seeded Bruins scored eight runs in the first inning, seven in the second and one in the third as they rolled to a win over the No. 10 Timberwolves in a Class 1A Wethersfield Regional semifinal at Annawan.

Addie Bontz went 2 for 2 with a home run, three runs and an RBI and Reagan Stoudt was 3 for 3 with a triple, a double, two RBIs and two runs.

Stoudt threw a one-hitter with 11 strikeouts and no walks for the Bruins.

Class 1A St. Bede Sectional

The Bruins had all the comforts of home hosting the sectional for the first time in school history. It was a familiar path with a semifinal against Ridgewood and a championship rematch with Biggsville West Central.

St. Bede 6, Ridgewood 1: Ella Hermes had a two-run triple in the fifth inning, and the Bruins utilized some small ball for four runs in the sixth, including a twostrike suicide squeeze bunt by freshman Lily Bosnich to break open the sectional semifinal win at Abbot Phillip Davey Field.

Hermes, who let the Bruins at the plate with two hits and two RBIs, struck out 11 and allowed just three hits and two walks to gain the win in the circle.

St. Bede 12, Annawan-Wethersfield 0 (5 inn.): The top-seeded Bruins rolled to a 12-0, five-inning victory over host Annawan-Wethersfield for the regional championship at Annawan.

The Bruins broke the game open in the third inning with a six-run outburst, highlighted by a two-run home run by Madelyn Torrance.

Stoudt threw a one-hitter, striking out four batters and walking three.

St. Bede 3, West Central 1: Ella Hermes saved her first home run of the season for a big moment, blasting a three-run, opposite-field shot to left in the bottom of the third inning to lift the Bruins to the Class 1A sectional championship

“I was just saving it,” Hermes said. “It felt good coming off. I was just thinking hit and run. And once I got to second, I heard everyone scream.”

Hermes was winning pitcher, allowing only four hits with 10 strikeouts. The win avenged a 2-1 loss to West Central in last year’s sectional finals.

championship game on Friday, May 26, 2023 at St. Bede Academy.

Members of the St. Bede softball team hoist the Class 1A Regional plaque after defeating Annawan/Wethers eld 12-0 in the Class 1A Regional nal game on Saturday, May 20, 2023 in Annawan.

St. Bede’s Ella Hermes reacts whlle rounding third base after hitting a three-run home run against Biggsville in the Class 3A Sectional

St. Bede’s Emma Slingsby hugs teammate Lily Bosnich after scoring the teams second run against Ridgewood AlWood Cambridge in the Class 1A Sectional semi nal game on Tuesday, May 23, 20223 at St. Bede Academy.

Class 1A Sterling Supersectional

St. Bede 6, Orangeville 1: Freshmen Lily Bosnich and Emily Slingsby provided some timely small ball, and Reagan Stoudt added the long ball with a solo shot to send the Bruins back to the IHSA State Finals, riding Stoudt’s pitching to a 6-1 victory over Orangeville in the Class 1A Sterling Supersectional. Stoudt finished off what she started in the circle, allowing just one unearned run in the sixth on five hits and eight strikeouts.

Class

St. Bede 4, Goreville 1: The Bruins scored three runs in the fourth inning on RBI hits by Madelyn Torrance and Bella Pinter and a bunt hit by Lily Bosnich. They added another run on a run-scoring hit by Emma Slingsby in the sixth, and that was more than enough for junior ace Ella Hermes to send the Bruins into their first state championship game with a 4-1 win.

The Bruins fell behind 1-0 in the top of the first inning, but junior catcher Bella Pinter helped keep their heads up.

“We knew we were going to get scored on. These teams in the top four, you’re going to have to bust your butt. To come back and keep up the energy the whole game and stay up ... I’m just so excited. I can’t wait til tomorrow,” Pinter said.

Winning pitcher Hermes had nine strikeouts.

Class 1A State finals

St. Bede 7, Illini Bluffs 6: Falling behind by three runs in the second inning, the Bruins rallied to defeat two-time defending champion llini Bluffs 7-6 at the Louisville Slugger Complex in Peoria. The Bruins scored six runs in the third inning and Madelyn Torrance drove in the game-winning run in the bottom of the sixth to capture St. Bede’s first state championship in program history.

St. Bede outhit Illini Bluffs, 11-10, with freshman Lily Bosnich with three hits and Ella Hermes, Reagan Stoudt and Torrance adding two each. Hermes was the winning pitcher, coming on in relief of in the fifth.

The St. Bede Bruins celebrate after beating Orangeville 6-1 to capture the Class 1A Sterling Supersectional crown Monday. St. Bede (27-7) advances to state to face Goreville (25-14) at 10 a.m. Friday in Peoria.

St. Bede’s Reagan Stoudt reacts while walking o of the eld after defeating Goreville in the Class 1A State semi nal game on Friday, June 2, 2023 at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria.

St. Bede head softball coach Shawn Sons reacts after winning the Class 1A State championship over Illini Blu s on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria.

1A State Semifinals