Freshman Pitcher Shines in Sectional Championship

Lake Central freshman Addy Mikolanis has made an impact with her pitching skills in two varsity games this season. Both encounters were against Crown Point, including the Class 4A Lake Central Sectional championship on Friday. Mikolanis viewed the experience positively. “Being in that environment felt really good,” she stated. “My teammates always support me, especially having Madi Wainwright behind the plate.”

Mikolanis delivered an impressive performance, pitching five scoreless innings and allowing only two hits and one walk. She struck out two, leading the Indians to a 3-1 victory over the defending state champion Bulldogs.

Lake Central (27-2), ranked No. 1 in the state coaches poll, is set to play at Hobart in a regional match. The Indians have previously defeated Crown Point (24-6-1) in two regular-season games, though last year, the Bulldogs won in the sectional final. Coach Yvette Tovar showed confidence in Mikolanis, who had also performed well in a prior match against Crown Point.

I feel like she’s our dark horse this season,” Tovar remarked. “She played a lot of JV ball and excelled when given the chance.

Mikolanis received praise from senior third baseman Tegan Tripp, a Virginia Tech recruit, who contributed with an RBI single and a solo home run in the game. “Although she was nervous, Mikolanis remained confident,” Tripp noted. “She entrusted her defense, which consistently backed her.”

Junior ace Maddie Such, a Kentucky recruit, had previously helped Lake Central defeat Munster in the sectional semifinals. In the championship game, freshman Colbie Tressel started and allowed one run in two innings before Mikolanis took over. Tressel appreciated the trust given by the coach, noting the supportive environment from her team.

Coach Tovar had Maddie Such prepared to enter if needed, but both freshmen pitchers managed to control the game. “My two freshmen held everything down,” Tovar celebrated. “Tressel set the stage, and Mikolanis finished strong.”

Such was ready for action, and Tovar emphasized the veteran’s invaluable role. “I relied on my instinct,” Tovar said. “Such guides her fellow pitchers with experience from past seasons, boosting their confidence.” The support from seasoned players like Such empowers new talents like Mikolanis and Tressel, ensuring they’re ready for high-pressure situations. This teamwork led to successfully surprising expectations against Crown Point.