Do you know me?
That could have been the question Friday surrounding West Aurora pitcher Katelyn Serafin, and coach Randy Hayslett was actually counting on the answer.
Hayslett hoped that Oswego’s hitters weren’t too familiar with Serafin, the sophomore right-hander who had transferred in this season from Aurora Central Catholic.
“She had a gem recently against Yorkville, keeping them off balance all day,” Hayslett said of Serafin. “We wanted to give her a shot.”
In turn, Serafin gave the Blackhawks a shot in the arm, tossing a three-hitter to shut down the host Panthers 8-1 in the Class 4A Oswego Regional championship game.
Serafin also was one of the hitting stars for sixth-seeded West Aurora (16-14), belting a two-run homer in the second inning and then delivering a double.
While Serafin split time in the rotation with junior Alyssa Perkins and sophomore Hadleigh Bedwell, both pitched and took Southwest Prairie Conference losses to Oswego.
The Panthers hadn’t seen Serafin, which is why Hayslett chose her to start her when the teams met for a third time with the regional title on the line.
It was a good call.
“Alyssa and Hadleigh have also played with a lot of the Oswego girls in summer ball,” Hayslett said. “Serafin has pitched more lately.”
Serafin (5-3) struck out five, walked three and gave up a solo home run to Corrin Kennedy in the bottom of the sixth. That ended being the only run for Oswego (18-14).
West Aurora advanced to a 4:30 p.m. Tuesday semifinal in the Yorkville Sectional against the host Foxes. Top-seeded Yorkville and the Blackhawks split a pair of conference games.
Senior shortstop Riley Mont greeted Oswego starter Aubriella Garza with a leadoff home run Friday that rode the wind blowing out over the center field fence.
“Honestly, I didn’t know if it was going over,” Mont said. “I got under it, and it was out to the center fielder. She stopped running and it was over the fence.
“I’m feeling good just going up there, not caring and swinging away.”
Mont added a pair of doubles and a walk for a perfect day at the plate.
There was no doubt about Serafin’s home run to left field, which highlighted a four-run inning. Perkins also finished with a pair of RBIs.
“If there’s any time to step up and shine, this is the time to do it — the postseason,” Oswego coach Sara Pawlowski said. “(Serafin) was good.
“I thought we’d be able to hit her the second half of the game, but it just wasn’t our day. They came to play. West Aurora did a good job and definitely earned it.”
Marissa Moffett opened the game for Oswego with a single, but West Aurora catcher Dyani Rivera threw her out trying to steal second.
“I wasn’t surprised,” Rivera said of Serafin. “I thought she’d handle any pressure. She’s a really good pitcher. I’m glad she went out with what she showed.
“I think her strengths are her screwball and change-up. And that home run she hit kept her going with her pitching too.”
Serafin said the home run was the first of her high school career.
“That home run was clutch,” Mont said. “That was a great hit.”
Mont recorded four assists on grounders and caught one pop-up to back Serafin, who also received three outfield putouts from Callie Meinel in center and Mackenzie Fraus in right.
“I’m glad they backed me up,” Serafin said. “Oswego came back against Wheaton North earlier in the week after being down 6-0. I just kept reminding myself I needed to keep the energy up. I think the fourth inning was the turning point when I got through it without allowing any runs.
“I really love this team. They’re supportive all around, and I’m so happy to have had this opportunity.”