Lone Senior: Alex Carr Drives Lincoln-Way West

For the first time in school history, the Lincoln-Way softball team is finally old enough to have seniors.

Make that a senior, as Alex Carr is the lone senior playing for the Warriors this spring, but she’s packed a wallop all on her own, leading the team in hitting at .473, as well as in several other team categories, including RBIs, total bases, hits and doubles.

“She’s always been a good player, but this year she’s had a breakthrough season,” Lincoln-Way West coach Heather Novak said. “And she’s played multiple positions for us. She’s caught, moved to third base and then shortstop and thrived.”

Carr, who has committed to Maryville University in St. Louis, where she’ll continue to play softball and major in physical therapy, also has been a leader, something that was expected as the team’s lone senior.

“She’s definitely been a leader for us, and all the girls respect her and look up to her,” Novak said. “You can see she plays with a lot of passion and a lot of pride.”

Providence OT Ryan Ward Bound for All-American Bowl

At 6-6 and 270 pounds, there’s not many places Providence junior Ryan Ward goes where he doesn’t garner attention. Next January, he’ll have the attention of sports fan across the country as he has accepted an invitation to play in the 2012 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

This annual all-star game brings the nation’s top high school football players together for a matchup. Former participants in the game include Adrian Peterson, Tim Tebow and Brady Quinn.

L-W Central’s Pacheco and Johnson Qualify for State

Lincoln-Way Central’s Alena Pacheco and Mallory Johnson finished in first and second place in the 3,200-meter run in the Class 3A Homewood-Flossmoor Sectional on Thursday to secure their spot in the state finals. For more on their effort as well as look at where other area track and field athletes stood before the storms forced the postponement of the sectional, see http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/sports/highschools/5343102-419/girls-track-and-field-lincoln-way-central-runs-to-1-2-finish.html

Providence and Lincoln-Way Central were scheduled to conclude competition in the H-F sectional on Friday, May 13.

Bennett’s Blast Not Enough Against Joliet West

Another round-tripper by Lincoln-Way Central’s Kylie Bennett made things interesting during Wednesday’s softball game against Joliet West, but a fine game-ending catch by Tigers’ left fielder Daviona Ervins ended the Knights comeback hopes. The Knights dropped a 4-3 decision. For more on the game, see

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/sports/highschools/5316962-419/softball-joliet-west-edges-lincoln-way-central.html

Boys Volleyball: L-W Central Stays Alive in Conference Race

Lincoln-Way Central beat Andrew, 25-23, 21-25, 25-20 on Tuesday to improve to 18-13 overall and more significantly 7-1 in the Southwest Suburban Red conference. For more on the match, see

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/sports/highschools/5300160-419/boys-volleyball-lincoln-way-central-knocks-off-andrew.html

Providence Ends Plainfield North’s Perfect Season

Last Friday, Providence ended Plainfield North’s streak of 22 straight baseball wins to begin the season, blasting the Tigers 20-3 in 5 innings. Kevin DeFillipis and Sam Travis both homered twice, while Dan Potempa, Matt Trowbridge, Joe Houlihan and Casey Papp also homered. For more on the game, see http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/sports/highschools/5188498-419/baseball-providence-rolls-over-plainfield-north-in-matchup-of-areas-top-two-teams.html

Soccer and Breast Cancer Awareness

The Lincoln-Way North and Lincoln-Way West girls soccer teams raised awareness and funds for Breast Cancer Awareness on Thursday night when they met on for their 2nd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness game in Frankfort.

“We wanted to give something back to the community,” Lincoln-Way North coach Michael Murphy said. “The community has done so much for our district and our school that we wanted to raise money for a great cause and raise awareness of Breast Cancer. “

Kaci Jazo and Unique Manns both scored as the Phoenix won 2-0 in a match shortened by thunderstorms in the second minute of the second half.