Senior catcher Madison Vrastil can’t say with experience how she would feel or what she would do if her name wasn’t in the lineup for Andrew.
It hasn’t happened during her four-year varsity career.
But the Valparaiso commit has a pretty good idea.
“Oh, man, I’d be so disappointed,” Vrastil said. “I’d be angry, probably, with myself, because I’d feel like I could have done something better.”
Pout? Not a chance.
“Oh, I’d probably be in there doing the book,” Vrastil said, smiling. “I keep a good book.”
She was the star of the scorebook Tuesday for Andrew in a 5-4 victory over host Sandburg in a SouthWest Suburban Conference crossover game in Orland Park.
Vrastil went 4-for-4 with a pair of doubles for the Thunderbolts (16-1-1, 5-0). Ana Cisek added two hits, while Kerra O’Reilly earned the save in relief of starter Clare Hester.
Ashley Fuller had a double and single for Sandburg (11-4, 2-2). Grace Fuller added two hits, while Olivia Trunk contributed a two-run triple and Riley McDoniel delivered an RBI double.
Andrew’s Madison Vrastil (14) frames a pitch against Sandburg during a Southwest Suburban Conference crossover game in Orland Park on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)
Andrew coach Alyssa Gunther has no intention of ever giving Vrastil a day off — for a couple of reasons.
One is that Vrastil dominates at the top of the order. Tuesday’s big game pushed her batting average to .621. She also has 41 runs, 13 doubles, three triples, three home runs and 19 RBIs.
The other is Gunther can appreciate the fact that Vrastil is trying to complete her varsity career without missing a game.
Gunther did that herself during her high school career as a utility infielder at Tinley Park.
“I think it’s awesome,” Gunther said. “It’s really fun to watch Madison because I do see a lot of myself within her.
“She’s just a gamer. She’s going to give 100% in everything she does, whether it’s a dry swing on deck or when she’s in the box or when she’s baserunning. I’m glad to be with her during her journey.”
Andrew’s Kerra O’Reilly (19) delivers a pitch in relief against Sandburg during a Southwest Suburban Conference crossover game in Orland Park on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)
Even more remarkable is her durability behind the plate.
Vrastil has donned the catcher’s gear in 98 of 103 games played. Just call her Iron Girl.
“It is a matter of pride to me,” Vrastil said. “I love catching every game. It’s amazing that I’ve had the chance to do it every day.
“My four years here have been flying by. I remember coming in with Maddie (Hanik) my freshman year, and now we’re both seniors. I’m going to miss my time here, that’s for sure.”
Hanik, a third baseman, made the play of the game against Sandburg. The Eagles had the tying run at third with one out when she fielded a squeeze bunt on the fly and doubled up the runner with a throw to Texas recruit MaTaia Lawson.
Hanik had her own story to tell about meeting Vrasil during their freshman year.
“It was at workouts, actually,” Hanik said. “We were outside because it was April. We were playing a throwing game — who could hit the bucket. I think we were the only two to hit the bucket.
“We came in freshman year together, and we’ve been a force ever since. We’re perfect for each other. We challenge each other at practice every day and we just make each other better.”
Andrew’s Madison Vrastil (14) puts the ball in play against Sandburg during a Southwest Suburban Conference crossover game in Orland Park on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)
O’Reilly’s first experience with Vrastil was a bit more frightening.
“I played with her when we were little,” O’Reilly said. “She was playing third base and I was at first. I was scared for her to throw the ball to me because she threw it so hard.”
On Tuesday, Vrastil was a calming influence on O’Reilly. The junior left-hander came in with two outs in the fifth inning and retired seven of the eight batters she faced.
“It’s amazing knowing I have ‘V’ right in front of me,” O’Reilly said. “She’s like a brick wall back there. I know I can always count her.
“She expects a lot, puts a lot of accountability on us. And that’s good. She always wants the best for us.”
Tony Baranek is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
