Dolphins advance to Softball City Championship

Whitney Young took care of business in a 6-1 semifinal win over Amundsen

(L-R) Natalie Nieves, Chiqui Vazquez and Liani Delgado

Whitney Young picked up their 20th win of the season in commanding fashion with a 6-1 win over the Amundsen Vikings in the city playoffs semifinal at UIC.

The Dolphins got the party started in the bottom of the third on an RBI single from first baseman Emily Rodriguez that scored shortstop Chiqui Vazquez.

Amundsen responded in the top frame as catcher Ashley Ellevog led off the inning with a bunt single and scored on an error by Young second baseman Mara Finnegan tying the game at 1.

That was it for the Vikings offense as Dolphins pitcher Liani Delgado was in full control. She didn't allow an earned run and struck out seven while only allowing three hits.

Young doubled back in the bottom of the fourth taking a 2-1 lead on an RBI single from right fielder Itzel Jaime.

Amundsen threatened in the top of the fifth with two outs and a runner on second base. Dolphins center fielder Priya Vaishnav made the play of the day with a diving catch saving a run that would've tied the game at 2.

Emily Rodriguez picked up her second RBI of the game in the bottom frame with a double that scored Mara Finnegan. Creighton University commit Chiqui Vazquez added some insurance in the bottom of the sixth as her two RBI double scored left fielder Maguire Leahy and Itzel Jamie. Vazquez scored on a throwing error giving the Dolphins a 6-1 lead.

Young will face the Taft Eagles Monday at 5:30 in the city championship at UIC.

Young

Chiqui Vazquez 2-3/2 RBI/2 R/SB

Emily Rodriguez 2-4/2 RBI

Maguire Leahy 2-3/2 R

Itzel Jamie 2-4/RBI/R