Naperville Central’s senior left fielder Michael Page played a pivotal role in taking his team to the Class 4A state semifinal on Friday. Despite a 9-1 loss to Maine South, Page maintained an optimistic outlook. ‘The atmosphere with so many fans and playing on the biggest stage was great,’ he remarked.
The Redhawks’ remarkable pursuit of their first state championship since 2010 halted at Slammers Stadium in Joliet. Their defeat ended a 15-game winning streak, yet Page’s performance was commendable. The North Central College signee went 2-for-3 with a walk, scored the team’s sole run, and successfully caught all three balls that approached him.
‘You can’t have a better senior year,’ Coach Mike Stock stated. ‘He’s been a great outfielder and an excellent hitter. What he achieved this year is about as good as it gets.’
Page improved his batting average to .383 with his performance against Maine South, including the game’s first hit and a crucial single to right. Reflecting on the game, Page noted, ‘My first at-bat, jumping on that first fastball, really got us going.’
Naperville Central struggled with leaving runners on base, having stranded ten in total. In contrast, Maine South capitalized on five errors, gaining a significant lead early in the match.
Despite falling short, Page reflected on the season’s unexpected success, highlighting the determination and adaptability of the senior-heavy team. ‘As the season went on, we just got hot,’ he explained.
The Redhawks’ fortunes were bolstered by Page and senior third baseman/pitcher Grant Umbright. Umbright also delivered a strong performance, going 2-for-3. He expressed full confidence in Page as a teammate and hitter, citing his consistent fielding and batting prowess.
‘There was no better teammate to play with,’ said Umbright. ‘I have 100% trust in him.’
Both players’ efforts contributed significantly to the team’s success, as Coach Stock acknowledged Page’s hard work and consistency. ‘He’s the reason we’re here,’ Stock affirmed.
Naperville Central still had an opportunity to play for third place against Mount Carmel on Saturday. Reflecting on the season, Page expressed gratitude. ‘This whole thing has been an awesome experience. We have 17 seniors, and we’ve been hot,’ he concluded.
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