Adrienne Monka could not have picked a better time to start a hitting streak, for herself and for her team.
When Northwestern (24-27, 11-10) bottomed out in a 1-0 loss to Loyola on April 24, the senior first baseman began an incredible power surge. In the eight games since, she has batted .608, with five home runs and 17 runs batted in. Her contributions helped the Wildcats earn six wins during the span.
The first baseman enters her final home series against rival Illinois (27-23, 10-11) playing at a high level befitting the rest of her career.
“It’s been a little bit of a groove,” Monka said. “It’s kind of nice to end my career on that path.”
Monka boasts an impressive collegiate resume. She ranks third in school history with 54 career home runs, just four off the mark set by Tammy Williams, and earned first-team All-American honors in 2009 and 2011.
Monka has incited fear in opposing pitchers, who often opted to avoid getting beaten by the slugger. On the heels of a sophomore slump last year, she posted a .707 on-base percentage, the second-highest mark in NCAA history. She identified several individuals who helped her mature on and off the field.
“Kate (Drohan) is one of the best coaches,” she said. “I can’t say how much I’ve learned as a player and a person from my coaches and teammates.”
Though Monka said she was upset about playing her last game at Sharon J. Drysdale Field, her playing days are far from over. On March 7, Monka was drafted by the Chicago Bandits. She said she eagerly awaits beginning her professional career this summer.
Junior pitcher Meghan Lamberth, who is close friends with Monka, said she looks forward to the senior continuing her softball career elsewhere.
“It’s going to be different not looking at her on first base, but I’m excited for her to move on to bigger and better things,” Lamberth said.
Even with the impending loss of Monka, the Cats have their eyes set on closing out the season on a positive note. After outscoring Michigan State 28-2 in a three-game sweep this past weekend, the Cats lifted their conference record above .500 for the first time this season. Michigan State entered that series scoring 3.53 runs per game, and after being held far below that average, the NU rotation showcased how successful it can be when consistent. Lamberth, sophomore Sammy Albanese and freshman Amy Letourneau each tossed complete-game gems.
“We’re all finding our stride in the season,” Lamberth said. “It’s obviously something that we wished to have had at the beginning of the season. But better late than never.”
After a Friday doubleheader, the Cats will honor Monka and fellow seniors Megan Lilley and Olivia Zolke in a pregame ceremony on Saturday. Without a postseason conference tournament, weekend wins are crucial if the Cats hope to be selected to the Women’s College World Series field.
