Recap: McQuillin, Sandercock's pitching propel Team Mulipola to victory

Eric Rhew

Jul 29, 2023

ROSEMONT, Ill. — A three-run third inning, including a two-run home run by corner infielder Tori Vidales, piloted Team Mulipola to a 3-1 victory over Team McCleney to conclude Saturday’s Athletes Unlimited Lacrosse doubleheader at Parkway Bank Sports Complex.

Vidales, who secured MVP 2 honors with her game-winning blast, secured 190 leaderboard points after going 1-for-3 in the victory. Pitcher Taylor McQuillin earned MVP 1 notice after allowing one run on two hits over 4.0 innings with an Athletes Unlimited career-high seven strikeouts, giving her 208 leaderboard points.

Rookie Kathryn Sandercock collected the first save of her professional career to garner MVP 3 recognition. The former Florida State star scattered three hits over the final three frames and posted one strikeout to finish with 166 leaderboard points.

Middle infielder Kelsey Harshman anchored the Team Mulipola offense with a 3-for-3 performance.

Team McCleney, which had its Week One opener against Team Denham suspended on Friday night, was led by a two-hit effort from middle infielder Sierra Romero, who also drove in the team’s lone run.

Pitcher Georgina Corrick (0-1) took the loss in the circle after giving up three runs on seven hits in 4.0 innings with four strikeouts.

HOW IT HAPPENED

After giving up a run in the top of the first inning, Team Mulipola countered with three runs in the bottom of the third frame to take a 3-1 lead it did not relinquish. Mulipola’s RBI single up the middle evened the score at 1-1 before Vidales’ two-run blast to left field provided the eventual winning margin.

LEADERBOARD IMPACT

McQuillin surged into second place on the early leaderboard with her 208 points in Saturday’s victory. Meanwhile, Vidales stands fourth in the league standings while Sandercock holds the No. 6 position after her impressive debut.

GAME NOTES

Team McCleney and Team Mulipola combined to score four runs in Saturday’s second game … Aspiration is committed to planting 10 trees for every run scored this season as part of its ‘Round the Bases’ initiative.
Team Mulipola saw its leadoff hitter reach base in five of its six trips to the plate.
The teams were a combined 11-for-33 in advancement opportunities, but were just 2-for-15 with runners in scoring position.
Team McCleney’s pitchers fashioned strikes on 68.2 percent of its pitches.