The IHSA State Softball Finals opened Thursday at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria, with a pair of Southern Illinois teams competing on the state’s biggest stage.
Waltonville/Sesser-Valier (32-6) earned a thrilling 2-1 victory over Gardner-South Wilmington (27-11) in a Class 1A semifinal that required 10 innings to decide. Both teams scored in the opening inning before pitchers and defenses took control, leaving the game tied 1-1 through nine innings.
The Lady Spartans finally broke the deadlock with a run in the top of the 10th inning and then survived a late threat in the bottom half of the frame. Gardner-South Wilmington placed two runners aboard, but a key double play helped Waltonville/Sesser-Valier secure the dramatic victory and a berth in the state championship game.
The Lady Spartans will face Dakota in the Class 1A state title game Saturday at 10 a.m.
In the other semifinal, Okawville (23-6) battled Dakota (29-4) in a tightly contested matchup but came up short in a 2-1 defeat. The Lady Rockets were limited to just two hits, with Emmerson Hasheider and Elly Hesker accounting for the offense. Hesker also scored Okawville’s lone run.
Despite the loss, Okawville received another strong performance from pitcher Schae Juenger, who allowed just three hits and one earned run while keeping the Lady Rockets within striking distance throughout the game.
Okawville will return to action Saturday morning in the Class 1A third-place game against Gardner-South Wilmington Friday at 10:15 a.m.
