Ormond’s two-strike, two-out single in bottom of sixth breaks tie, helps Liberty claim regional crown

After throwing her glove in the air, Liberty pitcher Chandler John gets ready to celebrate with first baseman Claire Obert, who holds the ball in her glove after the final out of Friday night's Class 1A regional softball game at Western High School in Barry. | David Adam

BARRY, Ill. — Years from now, when people talk about Friday night’s Class 1A softball regional championship game, most will remember Camdyn Ormond’s sixth-inning single through the right side of the infield that brought home the winning runs for Liberty in a 3-1 victory on Friday night at Western High School. Pleasant Hill coach Ryan…

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Photo Gallery: Liberty’s John comes out ahead in pitcher’s duel with Pleasant Hill’s Wombles

Liberty shortstop Ava Heming tags out Pleasant Hill's Ava Wombles as she tries to steal second base during Friday night's Class 1A regional championship game at Western High School in Barry. | David Adam

Liberty’s Chandler John allowed just three hits and one walk in a complete game effort in a 3-1 victory over Pleasant Hill in the Class 1A softball regional on Friday night at Western High School in Barry. Pleasant Hill’s Ava Wombles also turned in a solid game in the circle, allowing five hits and walking…

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Wombles scores winning run, strikes out 10 and tosses one-hitter for Pleasant Hill in victory over Liberty

Pleasant Hill's Ava Wombles, shown pitching in a March 31 game against Western, pitched a one-hitter on Monday against Liberty while striking out 10. | MRN file photo by Shane Hulsey

PLEASANT HILL, Ill. — Ava Wombles scored on a wild pitch with two outs in the fifth inning to break a 1-1 tie and give Pleasant Hill a 2-1 victory over Liberty in high school girls softball action. Lyla Higgins walked and Wombles singled to lead off the bottom of the fifth. Makenna Winchell hit…

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Wombles cousins share sister-like bond that transforms into fiery competitiveness on softball diamond

Emma Wombles, left, is a sophomore pitcher and infielder for the Pittsfield softball team. Ava Wombles is a senior pitcher and outfielder for the Pleasant hill softball team. Their great-great-grandfathers were twins. | Shane Hulsey photos

PLEASANT HILL, Ill.  — Ava Wombles is like the older sister Emma Wombles never had. “Ava is probably my biggest role model,” Emma Wombles said. Ava could not be more proud to hold that distinction. “It literally means the world to me that she said that,” Ava Wombles said. “One of my goals in life…

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Prairie State Profile: Lowe, Wombles leading Wolves on hunt for state title

Ava Wombles, left, and McKinley Lowe are spearheading the Pleasant Hill softball team's pursuit of postseason success. | Shane Hulsey photo

PLEASANT HILL, Ill. — McKinley Lowe, Ava Wombles and the Pleasant Hill softball team are on quite a roll. The Wolves are 14-2 and are outscoring opponents by nearly six runs per game. The pitching staff, which consists of Lowe and Wombles, has recorded six shutouts and given up one run on four other occasions,…

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Unwavering desire to be champions carries Illinois District 17 to Senior League World Series crown

The Illinois District 17 softball players celebrate winning the Senior League Softball World Series championship Sunday night with a 5-4 victory over Texas in Roxana, Del. | Photo courtesy Tina Bunte

ROXANA, Del. — The Illinois District 17 softball team never flinched. Twice during Sunday’s Senior League World Series championship game, the team from Little River-Academy, Texas, erased one-run deficits, only to see Illinois regain the lead each time. Then, in the eighth inning of a tie game, Texas put two runners in scoring position with…

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District 17 all-stars on verge of World Series crown after pair of shutouts leads to title-game berth

Quincy Notre Dame's Caitlin Bunte delivers a pitch during action at the Senior League World Series in Roxana, Del. | Photo courtesy Tina Bunte

ROXANA, Del. — One more to glory. The Illinois District 17 softball team, composed of players throughout West-Central and Central Illinois, is one victory away from a Senior League World Series championship. A fitting winner-take-all finale will decide it. The Land of Lincolners will face the Southwest Region champions from Texas at 6 p.m. Sunday…

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