Despite a challenging finish to the season, the College of DuPage Chaparrals showed resilience and offensive firepower throughout the final stretch, finishing the year 17-26 while earning four All-Region selections in Region IV.
The Chaps exploded offensively in an April 19 home sweep over Morton College, winning 20-5 and 11-8 in a pair of high-scoring contests. In game one,
Juliana Covington powered the offense with three hits and four RBIs, while
Olivia Vasak and
Ashley Plzak also collected three-hit performances.
Angelina Tuminello controlled the circle with three strikeouts across five innings pitched.
COD kept the bats rolling in game two as Covington added three more hits,
Isabella Andrade finished with three hits and three RBIs, and
Lana Edkin delivered a huge performance with four hits and three RBIs.
Alyssa Dubinski went the distance in the circle, striking out three in seven innings to secure the sweep.
Two days later, the Chaparrals delivered one of their most thrilling victories of the season, rallying from a 6-2 deficit to defeat Madison College 9-8 in extra innings at College of DuPage.
Julia Colorato,
Jenna Maples, and
Ava Forsberg each recorded three hits as the Chaps stormed back late. Andrade and Tuminello combined for eight innings in the circle, totaling four strikeouts while holding Madison off long enough for the comeback to unfold.
After dropping a difficult road doubleheader at Milwaukee Area Technical College on April 23, COD bounced back with another home sweep, defeating Carl Sandburg College 10-7 and 9-1 on April 25.
In game one, Forsberg drove in four runs to lead the offense, while Andrade earned the win in the circle with two strikeouts.
Aliyah Herediah and Edkin each added two hits in the victory. The Chaparrals then took immediate control in game two, scoring five runs in the first inning on their way to a dominant 9-1 win. Maples,
Ximena Banuelos, and Vasak each collected two hits as COD completed the sweep.
The Chaparrals closed the regular season against tough competition, falling to Illinois Valley Community College before advancing to the Region IV Tournament. COD's season came to an end against Joliet Junior College in the regional tournament, but not before several players earned postseason recognition for their outstanding performances throughout the year.
Following the season,
Julia Colorato was named All-Region in center field,
Ava Forsberg earned honors at first base,
Jenna Maples was recognized at designated hitter, and
Ximena Banuelos received All-Region honors at second base.
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