Gaels anxious to take the next step

Back in May, St. Edmond head softball coach Bill Shirbroun called this current season the start of a "new beginning."

Coming off back-to-back appearances in the Class 1A state semifinals, the Gaels had to replace four key starters -- including two who went on to play college softball.

Instead of rebuilding, Shirbroun reloaded, leading St. Edmond to a fourth consecutive state tournament for the first time in program history and a No. 3 ranking in Class 1A.

The Gaels (25-9 overall) will square off with 10th-ranked Remsen St. Mary's (24-4) on Monday night at Rogers Park beginning at 6:45 p.m. on Farm Bureau Field.

"Honestly, we had a lot of unknowns entering the season," said Shirbroun, who is 121-56 over his six-year coaching career at SEHS. "But these girls didn't want to be the group that didn't qualify for state. They came to offseason hitting and put in the time that it takes when you want to create a program that is constantly challenging -- not just for state appearances, but titles.

"They understand that it takes a lot hard work, fight, determination and confidence to compete with the best of the best in the state, and I truly believe they're ready to do that."

Despite the loss of standout regulars Mariah Myers, Lauren Gibb, Ansley Oswald and Hadley Oswald, St. Edmond was bringing back multi-time all-stater Faith Shirbroun alongside starters Sophia Schlienz, Myrah Lemon, Toryn Helle and Rihanna Myers. Jade Rock, Breckyn Ulrich and Ella Vandi all played in at least 16 games last year as well.

It took a few early games and weeks for Shirbroun to sort out what he had and put his current lineup together, but once that happened, the Gaels took off. St. Edmond has averaged almost 10 runs per contest since late in June, outscoring its three regional opponents by a combined differential of 33-5.

"Moving Ella to leadoff and putting Sophia in the two spot helped set the table for our offense," Shirbroun said. "It really allowed Faith, Rihanna and the rest of the girls behind them to put our offense in motion."

In addition to leading the entire state in stolen bases for a second consecutive season, the Gaels are batting .366 as a squad with 26 home runs, 20 triples and 84 doubles. Shirbroun ranks among the state leaders with a .639 batting average, belting 11 homers with 49 RBI and 55 runs scored.

Schlienz, who moved from second base center to replace Gibb, sports a .333 average with six extra-base hits, 34 runs scored, 22 steals and 18 RBI. She has also drawn 14 walks, which ranks second on the team.

"We had to work very hard on our hitting," Schlienz said. "Having Mariah come back to help us (as an assistant) has been a big part of our growth this season. Our underclassmen also stepped up, and were willing to put in the extra work to fill in those spots on defense.

"I feel very prepared this year (going into state) because we have been hitting so well recently. We have played a lot of high-level teams and seen a lot of good pitching, so I feel we will do very well."

St. Edmond played the second-hardest schedule among all 1A teams this year, earning 13 wins over 5A, 4A and 3A programs. They were 8-0 against other 1A teams and 2-0 vs. 2A foes.

Vandi owns a .429 average with 43 runs scored, 25 RBI, 19 extra-base hits and 47 steals. Myers is hitting .378 with seven homers, 36 runs, 35 RBI and 30 steals. Rock sports a .367 average, scoring 28 times, driving in 22 and stealing 24 bases.

In the circle, Helle is 20-4 with a 3.26 earned run average and 109 strikeouts.

"Making it to state this year has proven a lot of people wrong about our team," Helle said. "It's a great feeling to be back because we feel like we could make a deep run if we stick to the softball we are capable of playing.

"State is the biggest goal for everyone at the beginning of the season, and finally making it back is a huge relief. Now we can play loose, knowing that we made it. I'm so excited to see what kind of things we can do this year."