Liberty softball team runs out of magic in sectional semifinal loss to state’s No. 1-ranked team

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — For a fleeting few minutes, the Liberty softball team had everyone thinking its magical run might continue.

With two outs in the top of the first inning Tuesday against the state’s No. 1-ranked team, the Eagles made a little noise. Larissa Neisen and Natalie Hildebrand collected back-to-back singles before a strikeout ended the threat.

Illini Bluffs took over from there. Kierston McCoy led off the bottom of the first with a double, and Zoe Eeten’s two-out, two-run double gave the Tigers a lead they’d never surrender in an 11-0 victory in the semifinals of the Class 1A Jacksonville Routt Sectional.

Illini Bluffs advances to face the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between Brown County and Havana. The sectional championship is slated for 4:30 p.m. Friday.

Liberty (10-17) got another single from Jacie Blair leading off the second inning, but McCoy settled into a rhythm and retired the next 12 Eagles in order.

Meanwhile, the Tigers scored in every inning with McCoy going 3 for 3 with two doubles and three runs scored and Lexi Brinkman going 3 for 3 with two runs scored.