Lincoln-Way West’s Victory Over Marist in State Semifinals

PEORIA — Abby Brueggmann, a senior right-hander, experienced a mix of sweat and tears after achieving a significant pitching victory for Lincoln-Way West. Her emotions were evident as she wiped her eyes, likely tears of validation.

“Sometimes, I didn’t think I was good enough to pitch in these games,” Brueggmann shared. “It’s great to know that our team is good enough. And I’m good enough.”

Brueggmann excelled in her performance, leading the Warriors to a 2-1 triumph over Marist in the Class 4A state semifinal at Louisville Slugger Sports Complex. The St. Xavier recruit recorded four strikeouts and stranded eight runners, with Lincoln-Way West marking a 29-7 record. Important contributions included Reese Forsythe’s key triple and Reese Rourke’s successful home steal.

Maddie Rogers, Layla Peters, and Ellie Holmstrom each contributed two hits for Marist, who held a 36-2 record. Soleil Tate, committed to Wisconsin, struck out six players. Lincoln-Way West is set to face Mundelein, holding a 23-5 record, in the state title game at 4:45 p.m. Saturday.

“This is great,” Brueggmann said. “We have strong leaders, many seniors. We surpassed the best team. We aim to win and complete the job.”

Earlier, on March 30, Marist had beaten the Warriors 11-5, marking them as strong contenders in a rematch. But the Warriors came prepared for a different outcome.

“Our approach was to play loose and aggressive, with nothing to lose,” Brueggmann remarked. “Each inning we won increased the tension for Marist. We wanted to keep playing.”

The RedHawks consistently placed runners in scoring positions but only scored once. Lincoln-Way West scored their first point with a double steal by Rourke and Paige Seivert, followed by Forsythe’s triple in the third inning.

Throughout the game, Brueggmann noticed runners in Marist jerseys near third base.

“Yeah, they hit the ball,” Brueggmann commented. “I tried to stop the damage. Our defense escaping innings with runners on is something we’re improving at.”

Brueggmann showed resilience, ending two critical innings with strikeouts. Forsythe expressed relief after the final out.

“I didn’t care how it ended. I wanted out of that inning,” Forsythe shared with a laugh. “I was stressed but happy in the end.”

Forsythe praised Brueggmann, highlighting their teamwork.

“I’m honored to catch for Abby,” Forsythe noted. “I tell her, ‘You’ve got this. I’m there for you. You have tough ‘D’ behind you. Just pitch.’ And she delivers.”

Lincoln-Way West coach Heather Novak emphasized Brueggmann’s growth and trust in her team.

“Abby has faced tough lineups, and Marist’s is no exception,” Novak said. “She trusts herself and her teammates to make plays. Her development over four years, having the ball in key moments, is excellent.”

The team’s defense and Brueggmann’s pitching made a memorable impact throughout the postseason.