Softball Wins 2021 State Title
Athletics

Marist’s softball team won the state title in thrilling fashion on Thursday, June 18 at Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria, Ill. The team first faced defending state champion Huntley High School and won 1-0 during pitcher Abby Dunning’s (2021) no hitter. Just hours later, at 5 p.m., the RedHawks took on Lincoln-Way Central (LWC) in the title game. Out to an early lead, the RedHawks were up 3-1 as they entered the seventh inning. LWC had one on and one out but their next two hits were fly balls that Isabel Cunnea and Kaitlyn Wright caught, respectively, to end the game. 

Two games in one day and heat above 90 degrees was a challenge, especially for Dunning who pitched both games, but the RedHawks battled through for the program’s third state title (2012, 2015). The team also placed fourth in state in 2017 and 2019. 

This season, the RedHawks were undefeated in the state of Illinois and had only one 1-0 loss to Indiana power Lake Central. In the playoffs, The team defeated Oak Park-River Forest and York to win the sectional title and Hinsdale Central and Proviso West to capture the regional title. The head coach is Colleen Biebel Phelan ’07. after winning the super-sectional title in a game (10-0) over Taft High School. 

The team was ranked fifth in the nation according to MaxPreps. They outscored opponents in playoffs 65-2.

Abby Dunning ’21 – Gatorade Softball Player of the Year & Southtown Player of the Year

All-Conference Honors

• Emily Bjoan ’22
• Kali Case ’21
• Izzy Cunnea ’23
• Eileen Donahue ’23
• Abby Dunning ’21
• Easton Lotus ’21
• Kaitlyn Wright ’22

All-State First Team

• Abby Dunning ’21
• Easton Lotus ’21

All-State Second Team

• Kali Case ’21
• Izzy Cunnea ’23