The perils of kickball
Pawlowicz back for Lemont after breaking her finger in gym class accident last season
Adversity can be such a dream wrecker.
For Lemont’s Allison Pawlowicz, it struck in April 2023 when a freak accident during gym class resulted in a broken finger and the end of her junior season.
She should have been out there at shortstop, helping Lemont win its second consecutive Class 3A state title.
Pawlowicz was naturally sad. But she wasn’t bitter.
“It was heartbreaking just sitting on the bench watching them play,” Pawlowicz said. “But I had a very special player take my spot at shortstop. She was amazing.”
Pawlowicz looked over and smiled at junior teammate Natalie Pacyga. It was Pacyga who moved from second base to short and played a key role in helping Lemont not miss a beat.
“I was learning from the best,” Pacyga said. “I played with Allison for years. She gave me pointers all the way through it.”
It had been a tough day at the office for both on Wednesday as heavy-hitting Minooka came into Lemont and rolled to a 15-2 nonconference victory.
But, hey, they both had something to smile about.
Pacyga is back at her natural position, playing second base. Pawlowicz is back at short and doing well as a leadoff-hitting leader.
Through eight games, the Loyola recruit has a .391 average with one double, one triple and three home runs for Lemont (4-4). Her slugging percentage is a robust .913.
“Oh, it feels amazing,” Pawlowicz said. “It feels great to be hitting, great to be fielding at my position, especially for this being my senior year.”
She might be putting the brakes on kickball.
“I’ll definitely try not to do anything stupid in my gym class,” Pawlowicz said, laughing. “Coach (Christine) Traina is my teacher, so she’ll keep me in check.”
As a sophomore, Pawlowicz