THERE IS ANOTHER
As if Sage Mardjetko wasn’t formidable enough, Lemont varsity also now has her sister, Rhea, who dominated 16U
One of the memories I have from covering the state finals in softball is a conversation I had with an area coach.
It happened while we were watching Lemont pitcher Sage Mardjetko mow down batter after batter. As we marveled at her talent, I made the comment that it’s hard to believe she’s only a junior.
“Yeah, we’ve got to deal with Sage for another season,” the coach said. “Lemont will probably be back here again next year.”
I thought about that conversation a few weeks later. While doing some surfing on Twitter, I came across a post regarding Rhea Mardjetko, who will be a junior at Lemont.
On July 3, Rhea was the winning pitcher for the Lemont Lightning 16U team in the championship game at a tournament in Naperville.
Yes, folks. There is more Mardjetko on the way.
This spring, Rhea had multiple no-hitters at the sophomore level. In one game, she struck out 18. Lemont’s sophomores went unbeaten in conference.
“I remember Rhea was playing against Sandburg and one of the Sandburg parents was like, ‘I thought Mardjetko was on varsity,’ ” Sage said. “They didn’t realize there were two of us.
“Next year, no one will get a break.”
They both had remarkable summers.
Sage pitched for Bill Conroy’s Beverly Bandits, who won multiple tournaments and finished second at the 16U nationals. In 82 innings, she used her tantalizing riseball to strike out 162 as part of a one-two pitching punch with left-hander Audrey Lowry.
“She is a pit bull,” Conroy said of Sage. “She wants the ball and doesn’t back down from anything or anyone. I couldn’t be happier having her as an anchor of our pitching staff.
“Sage and Audrey worked well together. One’s a lefty and one’s a righty, and it just gave teams fits.”
Rhea went 6-1 this summer for the Lightning. She’s pretty much the opposite of Sage, relying on a groundball-inducing drop pitch. But she still had 47 strikeouts in 42⅔ innings.
Lemont coach Christine Traina can’t wait to add Rhea to what will be one of the deepest pitching staffs in the state.
“It should be exciting to have both of them on the team next year,” Traina said. “We also have another pitcher, and we’ll see how she does over the summer. But Rhea will be up there.
“I know Rhea works just as hard and puts in the time just like Sage. Knowing the family, they’re all hard workers. They enjoy what they do.”
The family. It’s a pretty incredi
ble story, really.
Sage is one of six sisters who either have or will be a big part of Lemont softball.
Jade, Nina, Rhea, Sage and 12-year-old Mila are all pitchers. Kali was Nina’s catcher. They are the ultimate softball family.
“At our family dinners, softball is always brought up,” Sage said. “No matter who is there or what time of the year it is, softball is always the subject. We love it.”
And of course, there’s the backyard, where the Mardjetko sisters sometimes pitch to each other as part of their practice routine.
“It’s scary catching for her,” Rhea said, laughing. “I don’t know what’s going to be thrown. She throws so hard and I’m trying not to get hurt.”
Rhea’s first varsity experience came when she was pulled up for the state tournament. She kept the score book and was a bullpen pitcher.
“Oh, it was so cool and exciting,” Rhea said. “It was so much fun just watching Sage pitch. She was pitching against the best teams and doing so well. I was so happy for her.
“I’m not surprised by any of the stuff she does. I know she can pitch against any team and be the best. It’s just exciting to watch her.”
I’m betting they’ll both be exciting to watch next season.
“It’ll be a super special experience,” Sage said. “Not many people can say that they played with their sister, so to me it means a lot.”
Plus, there’s a fringe benefit for the family.
“I know it’ll be helpful for our parents,” Sage said, smiling. “Now they won’t have to go to two games.”