Prospect senior left fielder Amanda Pinter is smashing home runs at a higher rate than normal this season.
But she’s not even the best home-run hitter in her family.
Pinter, who hit six home runs in Prospect’s first 20 games, said playing with her younger sister is her favorite thing about this season.
Erin Pinter, a sophomore shortstop, was leading the Knights with 12 home runs and 33 RBIs through May 20. Her 12 homers were two shy of tying the program’s single-season record.
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“I’ve been a pretty strong (home-run) hitter since house league, but this has been my best year,” Amanda Pinter said. “But the biggest highlight for me has been being able to play with my sister for the first time since house league. It’s been an exciting season for both of us, and our parents have enjoyed getting to see us play on the same team.”
Amanda Pinter has been a catalyst in Prospect’s winning season, although the Knights (12-8, 6-4 Mid-Suburban East through May 20) have been in a hot-and-cold streak.
After losing 10-0 to Elk Grove on May 3, the Knights defeated Hersey, Rolling Meadows, Taft, Buffalo Grove and Wheeling by a combined score of 64-3. They lost 8-2 to undefeated Barrington, beat Maine West 10-0 and lost 9-0 to Fremd.
Pinter, who bats in the fifth or sixth spot in the order for most games, said the Knights have to play with more consistency.
“Our main focus right now is winning the East conference,” Pinter said. “We’re excited for the playoffs. We are pushing to maintain our momentum into the postseason and go as far as we can.
“Batting in such a strong lineup has really pushed me to do better this year. As we’ve gone through the season, we’ve all improved at the plate, and that has driven me to maintain my level of performance to help keep the team’s momentum going as we move into the playoffs.”
Coach Krystina Mackowiak said Prospect’s strong lineup could be a factor in the Class 4A playoffs.
“We’re a pretty young team, but they jelled together from the beginning, and that’s propelled us to pick up some big wins,” Mackowiak said. “Our offense has really played a significant role in our success so far this season. We’ve had the advantage of scoring early in a lot of games, and that takes a lot of pressure off our pitchers.
“Our goal is to finish out strong in the East and make a competitive run in the state tournament. If we play to our potential, we could have a lot more softball to play this season.”
Tan and Hoffman lead Niles West: Led by seniors Kira Hoffman and Maddy Tan, Niles West is on track for another winning season.
The Wolves (10-4, 6-1 Central Suburban South through May 20) are aiming to surpass their Class 4A sectional semifinal appearance in 2019.
“We want to prove ourselves as a threat in our conference,” Niles West coach Christina Rosin said. “We want to prove ourselves as a top and competitive program in the area. We’re striving to win the conference outright and advance past the regional and compete for a sectional title.”
With Hoffman a force on the mound and Tan leading with her bat and glove, the Wolves have a solid group of experienced players.
Hoffman (7-1) had struck out 108 batters in 57 ? innings and threw a no-hitter against Libertyville. She also was batting .405 with 13 RBIs.
Tan, a pitcher and second baseman, was hitting .571 with two homers, two triples, six doubles and 11 RBIs.
Sophomore first baseman Maggie Burns has emerged as a go-to player, hitting .462 with six doubles and 10 RBIs.
“Kira has started the season off very strong,” Rosin said. “She’s also a threat offensively. Maddy’s been very valuable to our team both offensively and defensively. She’s a very disciplined hitter, and defensively she’s our strongest player. She makes diving plays, and we can always count on her to get outs.”
IC Catholic update: IC Catholic heads into the tail end of the regular season vying to finish with a winning record in the Metro Suburban Conference.
The Knights (13-9, 6-5 through May 20) have rode a strong defense to several wins in close games.
Freshman shortstop Analisa Raffaelli was second on the team in RBIs with 26 while leading with 25 stolen bases. Freshman first baseman Anjelina Dwyer was the leader in RBIs with 32 and hits with 36. Senior Rebecca Cash is the Knights’ ace. Senior Anna Maciejewski’s defense steadies the outfield, and her plate discipline — she had a team-high 14 walks — boosts the offense.
“Our goals are to finish the season strong as we move closer to the postseason,” IC Catholic coach Frank Reaber said.
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
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