Rick Armstrong

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Rick Armstrong

Five players from Class 4A state champion Oswego highlight the first and second teams. First TeamJaelynn Anthony, Oswego, junior, pitcher/infielder: Went 22-1 with 1.55 ERA and 194 strikeouts in 139 2/3 innings. Batted .483 with 57 hits, 16 doubles, 13 home runs and 57 RBIs. First team all-state. All-conference. Committed to Purdue. Kiyah Chavez, Oswego, senior, catcher: Batted .516 with program records of 65 hits, 19 doubles and 61 RBIs. Also hit 12 homers. Struck out once in two seasons.

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Rick Armstrong

PEORIA — Six Oswego seniors started out as Outlaws. They ended up as state champions. Third baseman Aubriella Garza, catcher Kiya Chavez, first baseman Rikka Ludvigson, outfielders Natalie Muellner and Rhiana Martinez and infielder Abby Schwab began playing travel together. It was an 8-and-under team that would eventually reunite for the Panthers. “My father was coaching us and we were with the Oswego Outlaws program,” said Garza, the Northern Illinois recruit.

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Rick Armstrong

PEORIA — Senior third baseman Aubriella Garza stands only 5-foot-3, but the Northern Illinois recruit has set the bar high in softball for Oswego. Garza is the only four-year varsity player this spring for the Panthers. She got her start primarily as a pitcher, but quickly demonstrated an excellent batting eye and swing as well as a good glove. And that’s not all, according to Oswego co-coach Annie Scaramuzzi. “She looks like a strong kid,” said Scaramuzzi, who pitched in college.

2 weeks ago | bnd.com | Rick Armstrong

Have bat, will travel. Meet Oswego senior Sabrina Zamora. It's true that Zamora views herself first and foremost as a pitcher - the position she has played the most while growing up and plans to continue next year at Waubonsee Community College. But she has stepped up this season by carving out yet another role on a talented and deep team. Zamora provides valuable offensive production as the designated player for the Panthers, who are making their second straight state appearance in Class 4A.

2 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Rick Armstrong

Have bat, will travel. Meet Oswego senior Sabrina Zamora. It’s true that Zamora views herself first and foremost as a pitcher — the position she has played the most while growing up and plans to continue next year at Waubonsee Community College. But she has stepped up this season by carving out yet another role on a talented and deep team. Zamora provides valuable offensive production as the designated player for the Panthers, who are making their second straight state appearance in Class 4A.