Addison Housh followed Antioch's 2024 run on social media. ‘It's completely different now.' Not for the team.
A year ago, when she played on the junior varsity team, Housh said she watched the Sequoits' run to second place in Class 3A via social media.
'I didn't even go to state, but I paid attention and was really excited for the team,' she said.
This season, Housh is one of three Addisons on the varsity team — along with junior catcher Addison Webb and freshman pitcher Addison Osborne – but is making a name for herself and making an impact for the Sequoits.
Housh delivered two key hits late in the Class 3A Grayslake Central championship game on Saturday as top-seeded Antioch outlasted second-seeded Carmel for a 13-9 victory.
'It's completely different now for me,' she said. 'I never would have thought that I would be here, making it this far. It's really exciting, and I'm so happy to be playing for this team. It's been really exciting this year.'
Like the past four years, the Sequoits (24-13) are sectional champions and will play Prairie Ridge (27-1-1) in the Kaneland Supersectional at 4:30 p.m. Monday with a chance to return to the state semifinals for the fourth straight season.
Junior first baseman Sam Hillner led Northern Lake County Conference champion Antioch's offense with four hits, including two homers, and four RBIs. Webb added two hits and three RBIs. Senior shortstop Grace Brown, a St. Joseph's recruit, led Carmel (20-10) with a single, a home run and two RBIs.
Housh was heavily involved, too, in a game when the Sequoits needed runs to hold off the high-powered Corsairs, who scored three in each of the fourth, six and seventh innings. She hit a rocket line drive over the third baseman's head on the first pitch of her at-bat in the sixth inning to stretch Antioch's lead to 13-6. She also hit a deep double to left field.
'I was excited to contribute,' Housh said. 'I didn't get hits early in the game, so I knew I had to swing at the first pitch because it was going to be a strike and swing as hard as I could. It was really cool and nice. I want to do the best I can for the team.'
Antioch coach Anthony Rocco said Housh is one of several first-year players who have helped bridge the gap after graduation losses.
'Housh does a great job and can play third base for us and also help out at second base,' Rocco said. 'She started the year in a bit of a funk but came back strong. She barely strikes out, which is why we like her in the lineup. She has great power with the ability to drive the ball to all fields. She's also a very good base runner and stealer.
'Her hitting today was key. She was very patient and did a great job for us.'
Housh, who also played on the JV volleyball team in the fall, said she has adapted to a new position in the outfield.
'I usually play third base,' she said. 'It's fun. I love outfield, always loved it. It's definitely different, but I'm excited to be playing and supporting the team.'
Antioch sophomore outfielder Tegan Schuler said Housh hasn't missed a beat in right.
'She has stepped up a lot on our team,' Schuler said. 'She's able to do a lot of positions and is very athletic, and we have good chemistry in the outfield.'
Antioch sophomore second baseman Alyna Matarieh played on the JV team with Housh last season, and they have helped the Sequoits overcome an 0-6 start.
'It's so cool to see Addison succeed in our batting order and help our team out today,' Matarieh said.
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