With collegiate softball’s regular season ending, it was time for conference tournaments. Fortunately for me, the BIG EAST conference held its tournament at Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont.
The four top teams in the BIG EAST played a double-elimination tournament over three days. On Thursday fourth-ranked Butler upset No. 1 Providence, and No. 2 University of Connecticut beat No. 3 Creighton. In the nightcap, Creighton eliminated Providence.
Despite no Chicago teams, the tripleheader drew a great, loud crowd, the majority of which was Butler’s fanbase. As I witnessed a couple weeks ago when DePaul hosted Butler, Bulldogs fans come out in big numbers.
On Friday Butler was eliminated after losing to both UConn and Creighton. For the championship, Creighton needed to beat UConn twice on Saturday. After falling short in the first game, UConn roared back to take the second game, the tourney championship and entry into the Women’s College World Series.
Creighton catcher Lily West
Butler pitcher Maren Berger
Attendance stayed strong throughout the tournament. Despite the Bulldogs being eliminated Friday, many Butler fans stayed for the championship. Aside from a brief shower Friday afternoon, the weather was perfect for the tournament.
We ended every day dining at one of our favorite Rosemont restaurants. We started with Giordano’s pizza. After Friday’s games, we ended our day at sports bar Hatty’s Club. After the championship game, we enjoyed a Mexican feast at Maria’s.
Elite softball play, delicious meals and beautiful weather made an almost perfect long weekend. The only thing missing was DePaul.
— John Wroblewski, podcaster
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