Mount Carmel’s playoff journey, aiming for their state return after 11 years, has seen Mario Medina emerge as a key leader behind the plate. As a senior catcher, Medina embodies calmness and focus, essential for the team’s success. Bringing the team back to state meant everything to him. “It was a big game and a special moment,” Medina explained. “I’ve been with these guys for four years, and they’re like brothers to me. There was nowhere else I’d want to be.”
On Friday night, Medina’s efforts were pivotal as he delivered one of the Caravan’s three hits and executed a crucial defensive play with a tag at the plate. Despite his efforts, it wasn’t enough against defending Class 4A champion Libertyville, which secured a 3-1 win in the semifinals at Slammers Stadium in Joliet.
Connor Elenteny, committed to Notre Dame, pitched for the Caravan, striking out five over six innings and yielding three earned runs on six hits. Joey Ireland, committed to Illinois, doubled and earned an RBI walk, while Triton recruit Logan Fernandez contributed a base hit.
During the game, Medina hustled on base against Libertyville during the Class 4A state semifinal. Elenteny said, “I just wish I could do more.” Determined to keep their championship aspirations alive, Mount Carmel is set to face Naperville Central with an aim for third place.
The Caravan, despite trailing Libertyville 3-0 entering the seventh inning, didn’t back down. Mount Carmel drew three walks, with Pancho Vazquez hit by a pitch and eventually scoring. Following this, with bases loaded, Aksel McKnight induced a fly out to center, sealing the win for Libertyville. “We’ve got to find a way,” Ireland stressed. “We almost found one at the end. I was proud of the guys. We fought all year.”
In the third inning, Medina and senior right fielder Haiden Lajcin collaborated on a crucial defensive play. With two outs, Lajcin made a catch and delivered a precise throw to home. Medina caught the throw and tagged Braden Tolzien, preventing a run. “I saw the ball go out there and thought, ‘Four, four, four,’” Medina remarked. “The throw was there, and I dove for the tag. It felt like a major momentum shift.”
The coach, Brian Hurry, praised the duo. “That was an unreal play by Haiden and Mario,” Hurry noted. “A great throw and a great tag.” Medina’s career is marked by similar plays, assisting a successful pitching staff. “I’ve tried to step up as a leader this year,” Medina stated. “I don’t know if they felt it, but that’s what I tried to do.”
Elenteny affirmed Medina’s impact: “He’s the best that you can get,” Elenteny noted. “He doesn’t say much, but he’s still the biggest leader on the field. He’s been like a rock for our team.”
Mount Carmel’s seasoned group of seniors, many with three to four years on varsity, will play one last game together on Saturday. Coach Hurry acknowledged their influence. “They’ve made their mark on a program with a lot of tradition and pride,” Hurry expressed. “These years with them are filled with lifetime memories.”