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

By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer | April 28, 2025
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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Wombles’ first inning slam propels Saukees to run-rule victory over Blue Devils

By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer | March 25, 2025
Pittsfield sophomore Emma Wombles loads up for a pitch during Monday's game against Quincy High School at Avenue of Lights Field in Quincy | Shane Hulsey photo

QUINCY — Talk about a grand entrance. After the Pittsfield softball team’s first three batters of Monday’s game against Quincy High School reached base, Saukees sophomore pitcher and cleanup hitter Emma Wombles jumped on the first pitch she saw from Blue Devils hurler Carlee Gilker and hit a towering grand slam to left field. “It…

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Freshman hurler tosses second straight one-hitter as Pittsfield softball team posts shutout victory

By Muddy River Sports | April 18, 2024
Pittsfield freshman Emma Wombles delivers a pitch during Wednesday's 13-0 victory over Beardstown. Wombles threw a one-hitter in Beardstown, Ill. | Photo courtesy Korey Wombles

BEARDSTOWN, Ill. — Emma Wombles has been virtually unhittable of late. The Pittsfield softball team’s freshman right-hander tossed a one-hit shutout of Beardstown in Wednesday night’s 13-0 victory, giving her back-to-back one-hitters as part of the Saukees’ three-game win streak. Wombles has allowed only seven hits in her last 20 innings pitched. Against the Tigers,…

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