It’s kind of sad, really, that when Nicole Pontrelli was a walk-off hero for Lemont in the 2023 state championship game, her little sister wasn’t there to see it.
Jessi was many many miles away, doing her own thing.
“I had my own softball tournament,” Pontrelli said. “Nicole’s sophomore, junior and senior years when they went to state, I had games to play on every one of them.”
Needless to say, she heard plenty. And Pontrelli has a clear vision — and dream — of what it would be like for Lemont to win a state championship during her final two seasons.
The junior shortstop/outfielder drew that picture Monday before Lemont (17-7) had its South Suburban Conference crossover game against Oak Lawn (10-8) postponed due to inclement weather.
“I always think about it feels being with your best friends and working hard every day,” Pontrelli said. “And then that final moment of throwing your gloves up and hugging after winning it, that would be a surreal moment.
“I think it would be great to achieve and accomplish, especially as a junior and a senior. It would be really cool to get there, too, like my sister did.”
During her first two-plus seasons on the local stage in Lemont, Pontrelli has been a standout from her impressive offensive stats to her versatility on defense.
She is everything — and more — than Lemont coach Chris Traina expected when she brought her up to the varsity as a freshman.
“Jessi brings everything she’s got,” Traina said. “She’s a talented young lady who has that drive in her. She loves to be involved and loves to get her teammates involved.”
Pontrelli bats leadoff for Lemont. She’s hitting .519 this season with 25 runs, three doubles, three triples and 12 RBIs. She also has 13 stolen bases.
That’s pretty much par for the course compared to past seasons, but there has been one gradual change. Pontrelli is right up there with the seniors on the team when it comes to leadership.
“My vocal part on the team is much more there,” Pontrelli said. “I can remember as a freshman feeling like this wasn’t really my place. I just wanted to prove myself with my abilities.
“By the end of last season I had branched out, talking on the field every pitch and being everyone’s main cheerleader.”
Sophomore teammate Caroline Painter hears her quite clearly.
“Over time I’ve definitely noticed,” Painter said. “I always hear her on the field, no matter what. She’s a very talkative person. It’s great to have her out there supporting you.”
Jessi had just graduated from eighth grade when Nicole provided one of Lemont softball’s greatest moments in the Class 3A state championship game against Antioch.
Nicole, a senior infielder, came up in the 12th inning with a runner on third and two outs. She laid down a perfect suicide squeeze bunt to give Lemont a 1-0 win and its second straight state title.
“I remember Nicole telling me, ‘Thank God I got that bunt down. If I didn’t … ‘” Jessi said, smiling. “But she did, and it all worked out. They won.”
Nicole was among a handful of seniors, including current Tennessee standout pitcher Sage Mardjetko, that Lemont lost to graduation.
The following spring, another Pontrelli would be on the varsity roster. And Jessi will always remember her first high school game, coming in as a pinch hitter.
“It was bases loaded when they put me up to bat,” Pontrelli said. “I just remember being so excited getting put in.”
Pontrelli delivered with a three-run triple.
“Yeah, my first ever high school at-bat,” Pontrelli said, laughing. “The baseball team was watching, too. It was pretty special.”
She’s ready to top it.
Tony Baranek is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
