By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

The second pitch that left Ryan Van Volkenburg’s hand in the Class 2A state semifinals against perennial powerhouse Teutopolis was deposited over the left field fence at Dozer Park in Peoria. Not exactly the start the Lisle senior left-handed pitcher had envisioned.

Indeed, it had the makings of a long day – or possibly a short day – for Van Volkenburg and the underdog Lions. Van Volkenburg, however, didn’t break – far from it, in fact – and proceeded to get stronger and stronger until he put the finishing touches on a masterful 2-1 complete-game victory over heavily favored Teutopolis on Friday.

Thanks to Van Volkenburg’s gutty eight-hit, four-strikeout, three-walk performance, the Lions went on to win the Class 2A state championship – the school’s first – the following night, a 10-1 whitewash over Pleasant Plains.

Van Volkenburg earned the Porsche Exchange Player of the Week honors for leading the Lions to an improbable state championship. Also the team’s centerfielder, Van Volkenburg also scored two runs, had a hit and a walk in the championship game, and had one of the team’s four hits against Teutopolis in the finals.

The Maryville recruit finished the season with a 6-1 record. He entered the state semifinals with a .361 batting average, 11 doubles, two homers, one triple, 32 runs and 22 RBI.

The Porsche Exchange salutes Van Volkenburg for his hard work and success.

CLICK HERE to view previous Porsche Exchange Players of the Week.