The Salem Lady Wildcats gave up 6 runs in the top of the first inning and Effingham avenged an earlier season loss by knocking off Salem 9-1 in the 3a Regional finals from Highland. The Hearts got a big 2-run double and 2-run homer in the opening inning to help them to the comfortable start. Salem’s lone run would come on a solo homer from Lilly Blagoue, her 17th of the year, adding to her own single season mark for homers. It also puts a bow on 4-year starter Olivia Paulson. The catcher is the only senior on this team and will be missed. Paulson went 1-3 in her final game. Izzy Decker and Alivia Rasul also singled.
(Tyler Repking – Repking Media)
Effingham advances to the Waterloo 3a Sectionals on Tuesday when they play Cahokia power Freeburg after their 3-0 win over Mascoutah. Waterloo also moves on and will take on Marion next week after their 6-5 win over Triad.
In 4a regional finalist today, Belleville East will host Quincy.
In 1a softball Sectional championships, Windsor/Stew-Stras beat Casey Westfield 5-4 to advance to the Johnston City Super Sectional on Monday when they get Trico after their 2-0 win over the hosts at Goreville.
In 2a Sectional finals today, St Anthony and Normal University play at 10am from Monticello. At Carterville, the host Lady Lions will take on Johnston City. Newton and Gillespie play at Greenville.
