Oak Forest Softball Passes First Tough Test

After breezing through regional play by battering Chicago Longwood and Hillcrest by a combined runs total of 17-0, Oak Forest’s softball team got the kind of stern test the Bengals were anticipating.

In Wednesday’s Class 3A sectional semifinal game, Lemont immediately ended Oak Forest’s string of opponents’ scoreless innings by taking a 1-0 lead in the first.

But like they have all season, and advance to Saturday’s sectional finals.

“Knowing we’ve got to come in here and battle for the win, it gets us pumped up,” Norton said about playing tougher competition.  “It really gets our team in the mood to keep winning and beat these good teams.”

With a wealth of postseason experience stemming from a 2009 state championship and another trip downstate in 2010, these Bengals (29-4) have seen it all. But playing from behind can be nerve-wracking for any team.

“You have to buckle down and play your game, not worry about what the situation is when you’re down,” Oak Forest shortstop Jourdan Skirha said. “You have to have confidence in the batter’s box. If you don’t, you’ll fail.” 

Skirha heeded her own advice well. She smashed a double in the second inning, and scored the first run for the Bengals to tie the game.

Catcher Emily Naegele scored the eventual winning run after getting on base with a double of her own. Naegele thinks the Bengals have the ability to keep advancing, but she won’t get ahead of herself just yet.

“I’m really excited. We just have to keep pushing forward but stay within ourselves, not get nervous,” she said. “The first inning we were a bit nervous, but we’re a young team and we’ll be OK. We got the nerves out now.”

Nerves or no nerves, Oak Forest continues to shine in the playoffs.  

The Bengals will host the winner of the Joliet Catholic-Evergreen Park semifinal game in Saturday’s sectional championship game.