Oswego’s Savannah Page has an impeccable sense of timing. And she has no fear.
To wit, at the same time, the junior outfielder showed off the benefits Saturday afternoon of taking up long-distance running to build up her endurance but also increase her speed and quickness.
“I’m in the moment, feeling that adrenaline rush, and it’s a great rush and excitement,” she said. “It translates into how I play and what I want to do for the team — do whatever I can to help us win.”
And the wins keep coming.
Page produced two crucial hits and also scored a critical run Saturday as the Panthers rallied for a 5-4 nonconference victory in nine innings over Class 4A powerhouse Lincoln-Way East.
Freshman infielder Adalynn Fugitt delivered the winning RBI single for Oswego (25-1). Senior outfielder Natalie Muellner advanced to third base on Page’s single before scoring the walk-off run.
In a marquee showdown of elite state contenders, Page powered the Panthers’ comeback from a 4-2 deficit in the seventh. She alertly scored the tying run on a sacrifice fly by Iowa-bound senior catcher Kiyah Chavez.
“It was a little nerve-racking on that play, knowing I had to score,” Page said. “I translated that into nervousness, adrenaline and confidence. I heard all of my teammates cheering me on.
“That boosted my confidence. I’ll do anything for my team.”
Her speed is no accident. Page began distance running as part of her offseason training and workout regimen. She’s set to run her second half-marathon later this fall in Chicago.
“I started doing it about two years ago,” Page said. “I love getting through those 13 miles and then crossing the finish line. It’s rewarding, just like these games.
“Struggling through it and then winning at the end is an amazing feeling.”
Senior outfielder Rhiana Martinez said Page’s versatility and all-around effort underscores her contributions to winning.
“She’s very quick and always hustles to every ball,” Martinez said. “She always likes to pick up her teammates, in the box or in the field.
“Off the field, she’s very kind, funny, outgoing and always yelling and encouraging everybody on. How she is off the lines is reflected in how she plays on the field.”
In her second year on the varsity, Page has solidified her role as a standout defensive player.
Her spectacular diving catch secured the Panthers’ 1-0 victory over Wheaton North in a sectional championship last season as part of their historic run to finishing third in 4A.
On the bases or roaming in center field, Page is always on the go.
“Her great speed is really important in the bottom of the order to turn things around and she has become a great defensive outfielder,” Oswego co-coach Annie Scaramuzzi said.
“She has worked really hard to earn her spot. She shows up to practice every day on a mission.”
Page, who’s now hitting .433 with 33 runs, plays for an Oswego team with multiple Division I recruits. She’s content with her role, however, and finds moments to excel in the details.
“I’m the girl who does all the little things,” Page said. “I’m a contact-type player — line drives and getting on base. We’re all a family here and we trust each other.
“We know each other’s roles. It’s all reflected in how we play.”
Page has two younger brothers who both wrestle. She took up softball at age 8. Her father, Bryan, was her first coach. She’s always associated the game with family and togetherness.
“My favorite part is just the people,” Page said. “They’re great people. My friends, my family. I feel like my passion for things, running or making crafts, translates into everything I do and how I play.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
