PEORIA — Sam Hillner knew what she and Antioch’s other freshmen were getting into this season.
The Sequoits were projected to be one of the best teams in Class 3A again after winning the third-place game last year, and the new kids, such as Hillner, were going to be thrust into key roles alongside veteran players.
“It’s nerve-wracking, but you just have to go play your game, have fun, don’t be uptight, just be comfortable,” she said. “They made us feel comfortable. They’re always there for you. They’re always cheering you on. They always bring you up and have high energy.”
In a Class 3A state semifinal at Louisville Slugger Sports Complex on Friday, Hillner was there for her teammates. She executed a bunt that led to the Sequoits’ first run in the fourth inning and hit an RBI single for insurance in the sixth as Antioch blanked Charleston 3-0.
Michigan State recruit Jacey Schuler pitched another gem for Antioch (34-1), which will play Lemont in the state championship game at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Schuler allowed just two hits, walked one and struck out nine. She also had two hits. So did Wisconsin recruit Eden Echevarria, who made two diving catches in center field.
The game was scoreless heading into the bottom of the fourth, when Schuler legged out a leadoff infield single. A stolen base and a groundout got courtesy runner Miranda Gomez to third.
Hillner, a first baseman who was hitting .346, then called an audible. She decided on her own to bunt, and once the throw went to first, Gomez darted home with the first run.
“I didn’t get a bunt call on that, but I knew we needed that run,” Hillner said. “It’s important because it gives us less pressure in the field and takes the pressure off of (Schuler) too. It helps us get more energy.”
Those are the kinds of plays that Antioch coach Anthony Rocco has come to expect from Hillner in her first season.
“She can execute when we need her,” Rocco said. “She has some power. She’s had some big hits against some of the top teams in the state. She can play small ball. She has speed. She’s an excellent kid, great athlete. She’s stepped it up huge for us.”
Freshmen Jadynn Ruiz and Claire Schuyler also were in the starting lineup for Antioch. There are seven freshmen on the roster.
Schuler, a junior in her third varsity season, has been trying to help them along as the Sequoits try to win their first state title.
“We’ve kind of put it in their heads that we want to do this for the seniors before they leave,” Schuler said. “We want to do it for the community. I think they’ve really stepped into that role for us as a team.”
Schuler will be in the spotlight Saturday. The Sequoits get another shot at Lemont after losing to the eventual state champion in the semifinals last year.
Schuler will face off against Lemont ace Sage Mardjetko
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, a South Carolina recruit who has pitched 131 innings this season without allowing an earned run after blanking Benet 10-0 on Friday.
“It’s going to be an epic battle,” Rocco said. “You’re going to have two top-notch pitchers. We’re excited. We wanted this opportunity. This was our goal to get down here, and we’re prepared for the moment.”
Schuler is ready for the rematch.
“I think it helps that we faced them last year,” she said. “I think that is better for me, knowing that I’ve thrown against them once. I know how it feels. It’s in a bigger setting with a bigger crowd, but I’m excited about it.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.