It was a real stunner. But Marist coach Colleen Phelan was matter-of-fact and stoic about a season that ended a bit earlier than was expected.
It was the mention of senior center fielder Bree Hanik that bubbled up strong emotions.
Her tears flowed as freely as the words.
“I still feel like she’s a freshman,” Phelan said of Hanik. “I’ve known Bree since she was 9 years old, coaching her with the Beverly Bandits.
“To watch her grow with the game and grow as a young woman, and to watch everything she’s accomplished, I’m so proud of her. She’s going to be awesome at Penn State.”
Hanik gave it her all on the field Monday as the RedHawks dropped a 5-1 decision to Oswego in the Class 4A Benedictine Supersectional in Lisle.
Layla Peters produced the only hit of the night for Marist (35-3) on an RBI single with two outs in the seventh inning. Senior pitcher Gianna Hillegonds struck out nine in 4 1/3 innings of relief.
Hanik reached base twice against Oswego and made a highlight-reel catch in center field.
“I want to be one who puts it all out there for her teammates,” Hanik said. “I want them to know I’ve got their backs no matter what. I’ll make uncatchable catches because I’m doing it for them.”
Junior right-hander Jaelynn Anthony struck out six for Oswego (36-2). The Purdue recruit also walked five batters, but the RedHawks couldn’t capitalize.
“She was definitely tough,” Peters said of Anthony. “Throughout the season, pitching can go up and down. We knew coming in that she was going to be one of the better pitchers we’ve seen, but we were ready to attack.
“We wanted it. We wanted that good pitcher. But she just got the best of us there.”
Very matter-of-fact. Very stoic. But like her coach, Peters got teary-eyed at the mention of Hanik.
“Man, I love that girl,” Peters said. “Bree is the ultimate role model, the ultimate competitor, the ultimate friend. I’ve gotten close to her the past two years. She has been one of my best friends.
“She really took me under her wing and taught me how to be an impactful player on a big team. She has taught our whole team throughout the year that the little things matter.”
Hanik, a four-year varsity player, hit .450 this spring for Marist, which had one of the toughest schedules in the state. She totaled nine doubles, three triples, eight home runs and 35 RBIs.
The senior leadership role was one she relished — and did right by.
“Yeah, that was one of my major goals this season,” Hanik said. “I have always been, like, the baby on this team. So I stepped into a big role this year and kind of last year.
“I know I’m leaving here happy that I made my mark on them.”
Hanik burst onto the scene as a big contributor on the 2022 team that finished second in the state. She hit .412 with 13 home runs as a sophomore, helping lead the RedHawks to a state title.
Last season, she batted .415 with 12 home runs as Marist took second again.
It’s been quite a four-year journey.
“I had no idea what was going to happen four years ago,” Hanik said. “It was insane just being on varsity freshman year and experiencing that with the girls I did.
“One of the best things that happened to me was that I met my best friends, met the best people. I have experienced so many things, and I wouldn’t take any of it back.
“I’m really sad that it’s over. But I have no regrets.”
Tony Baranek is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
