Reese Rourke’s Triumphant Return in Softball Championship

Friday marked a milestone for Reese Rourke of Lincoln-Way West’s softball team. After nearly missing the entire season, she returned with extraordinary performance. Her two home runs led the Warriors to a significant victory.

The Big Day

Rourke couldn’t contain her joy following her team’s 2-1 win over Lockport in the Class 4A Lincoln-Way West Sectional title game. The NC State recruit showed her skill by going 3-for-3 with two homers and a double. Paige Seivert contributed two hits, and Abby Brueggmann earned the pitching win for Lincoln-Way West, which now stands at 27-7.

“After the first one, I cried a little bit,” Rourke said. “After the second one, it was pure joy.”

On the opposing side, Taylor Lane led Lockport with three hits, while Giavanna DiCiolla added an RBI single. Bridget Faut struck out four for the Lockport team, which ended with a record of 24-13-1.

Road to Recovery

Rourke’s return was emotional for everyone involved. In the dugout, teammates beamed with pride as they watched her first home run. “Oh, my goodness, we were just exploding in the dugout,” said Brueggmann, her close friend and teammate. The Warriors celebrated this historic sectional title, their first ever, and now prepare to face Edwardsville, which holds a record of 29-9, in the Illinois Wesleyan Supersectional.

Rourke faced challenges earlier in the season. After starting strong, hitting a home run in her first game, adversity came in the second game. A wrist fracture required surgery. She tried batting in early May but had to pause until the sectional semifinal win over Lincoln-Way Central, where she went 1-for-4 with a double.

Determined to improve, Rourke reviewed videos of her previous performances and visualized success. This mental preparation paid off.

The Game-Changing Moment

Rourke hit another home run in the sixth inning, enough to secure Brueggmann’s strong pitching performance. Brueggmann struck out three and left nine opponents stranded. Rourke, who once led as the team’s ace pitcher, thrived in her new role as a shortstop, thanks to Brueggmann’s reliability on the mound.

Coach Heather Novak expressed deep emotion as she recalled Rourke’s perseverance following her injury. “She was so mature, trying to stay in the game and help out,” Novak remarked.