In a memorable performance on Friday, senior pitcher Abby Brueggmann led Lincoln-Way West to a stunning 2-1 victory against Marist in the Class 4A state semifinal at Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria. Her emotional reaction, wiping away tears and sweat, underscored the significance of this win in her high school career.
Brueggmann expressed her previous doubts about her capabilities in high-pressure games. She stated, “Sometimes, I didn’t think I was good enough for these kinds of games. It’s great to know both the team and I are indeed good enough.” Her contribution to the game included four strikeouts and stranding eight batters for Lincoln-Way West, who now hold a 29-7 record.
Reese Forsythe, committed to St. Ambrose, contributed a crucial triple, while NC State commit Reese Rourke successfully stole home. The match highlighted the talents of Marist players as well, such as Maddie Rogers, Layla Peters, and Ellie Holmstrom with two hits each, and Wisconsin commit Soleil Tate who recorded six strikeouts. Despite Marist’s previous 11-5 win against Lincoln-Way West on March 30, the Warriors overturned expectations with this victory.
“Our approach was to play loose and aggressive with nothing to lose,” Brueggmann said. “Every inning we kept winning, I think it got more tense for them. We wanted to keep going, keep playing.”
Marist managed to place runners in scoring positions in every inning but secured just one run, thanks to Holmstrom’s double and Alia Rowles’s RBI bunt. In contrast, Lincoln-Way West scored early and added another through Forsythe’s triple, proving critical in securing the win. Brueggmann and her defense repeatedly thwarted scoring chances for Marist, exhibiting resilience and skill.
Reflecting on a moment when a runner reached second base, Brueggmann recounted, “I just did my best to stop the bleeding. Our defense escaping innings with runners on is something we’re getting good at.” Her efforts included a pivotal strikeout to end the fifth inning with a runner at second, and clinching the game in the seventh inning with another key strikeout and a runner at third.
Reese Forsythe, who played a crucial role behind the plate, expressed admiration for Brueggmann, saying, “I’m really honored to be catching Abby. We have an amazing connection. I always tell her, ‘You’ve got this. I’m there for you. You have a tough ‘D’ behind you. Just pitch.’ And she does her job.”
Coach Heather Novak praised Brueggmann’s development over her high school years. “Abby has faced a number of tough lineups, and obviously Marist’s lineup is extremely tough,” Novak noted. “I think she not only trusts herself but enjoys her teammates and trusts them to make the plays.” Her growth and ability to handle crucial game moments have been key to Lincoln-Way West’s success this postseason.
The team’s coach and players look forward to Saturday’s final against Mundelein with optimism. The match promises to be a significant test, following their victory over Marist, which Brueggmann described as overcoming the best team.