Spartan Roundup April 25

BASEBALL - Alex Hermeling and Glenbrook North continue to dominate in-state competition. On Thursday in a 3-2 home win over Deerfield to move GBN to 3-0 in Central Suburban League play. Brett Synek had a pair of RBI and Doug Mazewski drove in the game-winning run on a groundout in the fourth inning. The Spartans beat Fremd 10-7 on Saturday to improve to 14-1. Adam Becker blasted a home run in the road win. GBN gives Deerfield the return visit on Monday followed by a home game with Niles North, a trip to Glenbrook South and a showdown with New Trier and pro prospect Charlie Tilson.

SOFTBALL - The girls on Thursday after having a pair of games canceled earlier in the week. Colleen Ahern had an RBI triple and scored a run in the 4th to give GBN a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Rachel Blitt scored a run and threw out Laurie Polisky at home in the bottom of the seventh to preserve the lead when the Warriors were threatening. Jenny McTague struck out seven in the complete game victory. The Spartans (7-4-1, 3-0) are heavy favorites to defend their conference title despite having just one senior. They have a busy week ahead with games against Maine West, Loyola, Maine East and Hersey.

GIRLS SOCCER - After smoking Niles West 7-0 on Monday, GBN won the Glenbrook Cup at Techny Fields without surrendering a goal this weekend. Montana Paley netted four times against the Wolves. The Spartans opened the Glenbrook Cup with a 2-0 win over Warren in pool play on Thursday followed by a busy Saturday. With 3-0 wins over Regina and McHenry GBN advanced to the semifinals where they again beat McHenry, 1-0 this time. Crystal Lake South awaited in the final and after neither team could score the Spartans won in a penalty shootout. GBN's win avenged last year's semifinal loss in penalties to the Gators in the same tournament. The Spartans (11-2-1) visit Maine East Tuesday followed by weekend trip to Iowa for the Tournament of Champions.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL - Chris Cooper's team opened the week with an upset loss to Wheeling (25-19, 17-25, 24-26), but bounced back with a conference win over Highland Park (24-26, 25-23, 25-21) and a second place finish at the Brother Rice Smack Attack. Patrick Bedford had 14 kills and Danny Slutsky had 29 assists against the Giants. On Thursday in pool play at the Smack Attack, GBN beat St. Ignatius (25-20, 25-21) and St. Rita (26-28, 25-15, 25-12). The Spartans concluded pool play with a win over Lincoln-Way East (19-25, 25-23, 25-22), an area-ranked team who topped GBN at Wheaton Warrenville South's Tiger Classic in the beginning of the month. In the semis they dominated Providence 25-11, 25-14 before falling to Marist, another top ranked team, 25-23, 25-22 in the final. This week will be less hectic; GBN (15-5) plays at Niles North and Maine East.

BOYS LACROSSE - GBN dominated Evanston 13-1 on Tuesday, but will have a much tougher test against Lyons Township this Tuesday.