The top seeded Salem Lady Wildcats lost their regional opener to Olney at Tully Park 11-10. Salem had to scratch starting pitcher and John A Logan signee Bre Thurman minutes before the game due to a persistent injury she has been dealing with the final week of the season. That sent freshman Reagan Shuler in the circle. Olney sent 12 batters to the plate in the 3rd inning as they started to pull away, but Salem never gave up and had a chance up until the final out. Katee Sellers came in and struck out 5 in relief.
At the plate, Izzy Decker had 3 hits and drove in 2, Thurman had 2 hits along with Lilly Blagoue and Marah Johnson. Thurman hit her 4th homer of the season and Johnson added her 7th as Salem finishes at 22-5 on the season. Olney advances to Saturday’s championship game against today’s winner between Mt Vernon and Freeburg.
The Centralia Annies wasted no time as they hosted their regional semifinal and shutout East St Louis 12-0 in 5-innings. The Anneis wills advance to Friday’s finals where they will host Triad after their 3-0 win over Highland.
At Marion, the hosts Lady Wildcats got a 2nd inning grand slam from Paislee Freebourn in their 11-2 win over Herrin. At Mascoutah, Waterloo pounded Cahokia 17-0 and Mattoon beat the hosts at Taylorville 12-2.
Today at Marion, Effingham will play Carbondale, Mascoutah hosts Civic Memorial, Jacksonville is at home against Jerseyville, Charleston and Centennial play at Mt Zion.
In 4aregional semifinals, Belleville East beat Collinsville 15-0 at West High, and tonight is the other semifinal between Belleville West and Granite City. At Edwardsville, the hosts beat Alton 8-1 and O’Fallon over Quincy 6-2.