PEORIA — Mundelein junior second baseman Devin Hill returned to the Class 4A state tournament at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex on Friday hoping for better results.
During the Mustangs’ appearance in 2024, Hill was hitless in two at-bats in back-to-back losses.
“Playing with confidence is key for me,” she said. “My freshman year, it was very intimidating going to state. We were undefeated all year, except for one game (in the regular season). I came off the bench. It took a toll on my confidence because I was surrounded by greatness.
“This year, I knew that I wanted to be a part of greatness.”
Hill earned that part against defending state champion Oswego. She went 2-for-4 with three RBIs to spark Mundelein’s 13-3 win in a six-inning state semifinal.
Hill hit a run-scoring single in the first and a two-run single in the third off Purdue recruit Jaelynn Anthony as the Mustangs (23-5), who will play Lincoln-Way West (29-7) in their first state championship game at 4:45 p.m. Saturday, took an 8-0 lead over the Panthers (22-12).
“She made solid contact all game,” Mundelein coach Heather Ryan said. “Before the game, she was popping everything up and wondered what she was doing wrong. She showed up and played so well.”
Senior center fielder Kieley Tomas, a St. Thomas recruit, had three hits and three RBIs for the Mustangs, and junior shortstop Taylor Pyke, a Belmont recruit, had two hits and two RBIs.
Senior ace Shae Johnson, who led Mundelein to state in 2024 but was unable to pitch last season after suffering a torn labrum in her throwing shoulder, allowed three runs on six hits and one walk. She struck out nine.
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“I knew Shae was coming back and we were going to have our full lineup,” Hill said. “I wanted to be a part of that.”
Johnson (20-3), a Fullerton College recruit, said Hill also plays an important part at second base.
“Devin was on fire today on both sides,” Johnson said. “I know when the ball gets hit to her, she will stop it. She has great range and is a very solid second baseman, and it’s so nice to have her on the right side.”
The Mustangs know it’s nice to have Hill in the eighth spot in the order too. She entered the game batting .329 with 13 RBIs.
“Last year, she hit in the bottom of the lineup and was pretty inconsistent at the plate,” Ryan said. “She worked so hard in the offseason to become one of our most consistent hitters.
“She pulled through today. I called a bunt, and she didn’t hear it and hit that ball up the middle that scored two runs.”
Pyke wasn’t surprised.
“Devin never gives up and goes up to the plate strong,” Pyke said. “She is such a hard worker and doesn’t stop and works through the pain.”
Interested in a career in medicine, Hill has worked as a pharmacy technician at Walgreens.
“Being in a pharmacy is a high-stress situation because people are always coming in and coming out,” she said. “You have to work under pressure and make sure you are doing the right thing.
“The same thing goes with softball, and being in the state game, all eyes are on you, so a lot depends on you.”
The Mustangs know they can depend on Hill.
“Now we’re playing in the state championship, and I’m a part of that, which is incredible,” she said.
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Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.