Prep athletes of the week: Two grand slams in three-homer game for Tri-City United's Ellaina Novak

ELLAINA NOVAK

Tri-City United, softball

They were unforgettable games that will remain clear in the memory long after the playing career is over.

After a slow start to the season and with the threat of rain looming, the junior pitcher was eager to get started when the Titans traveled to Mayer Lutheran last week for a double-header.

"We hade driven an hour to get there and I really wanted to play," Novak said.

In the first game, Novak singled in her first two at-bats. Then she launched home runs in three consecutive trips to the plate — two of them grand slams — and drove in 11 runs in a 30-13 victory.

"It's a great feeling when you feel the pop off the bat when you hit a home run," she said.

"All I'm thinking is 'hit ball,' " she said. "I'm just trying to make solid contact. If it goes over, it goes over."

She went 2-for-3, both singles, in the nightcap, a 15-5 victory. On the day, Novak went 7-for-8, with three home runs and 11 RBI. For the week, the Titans, who had lost their first six games, were 4-0, with Novak getting the victory in all four.

But it was her offensive explosion in the first game that will forever stand out. "I'm definitely going to remember that," she said. "Hitting three home runs in one game is pretty cool."

ALEXA MANN

Eden Prairie, softball

JAKE MCCARTHY

Bloomington Jefferson, lacrosse

The senior goalkeeper helped the Jaguars to two victories. He made 12 saves in an 11-5 win over No. 9 Lakeville South and then repeated the feat, stopping 12 more shots and holding No. 2 Edina to five goals in a 6-5 victory.

KARLIE MILLER

Prior Lake, softball

MADISEN MYERS

Rosemount, lacrosse

In a sport where stopping half the shots faced is considered fine goalkeeping, the senior stopped 23 of 31 shots combined in two victories. She stood out as the Irish upended No. 7 Benilde-St. Margaret's 7-6, making 18 saves.

WILL ROGERS

Mounds View, baseball

CAT SMETANA

Stillwater, softball

The junior catcher/1B homered twice as the Ponies defeated Mounds View 10-5. She homered again in a 13-0 romp over Woodbury and added a fourth as they defeated East Ridge 3-1.

JIM PAULSEN

Nominate an athlete? Send an e-mail with supporting information to preps@startribune.com. Include a photo and a link to video of athlete in action (if possible).