Showcase Q&A: Pittsfield’s Simon discusses move to Pittsfield, studying pre-dentistry and her love of music

By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer | June 20, 2025
Pittsfield graduate Lila Simon plans to study pre-dentistry at Central College in Pella, Iowa. | Muddy River Sports file photo

The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase takes place June 21 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game will tip at 2 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. General admission is $10. PITTSFIELD, Ill. — For Lila Simon, it all came down to perspective. Prior to her junior…

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Simon delivers clutch homer to put Pittsfield on top, snags line drive in seventh to seal victory

By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer | April 23, 2025
Pittsfield second baseman Lila Simon, right, celebrates with Emma Henry after recording the last out of Tuesday's softball game against Pleasant Hill. | Shane Hulsey

PLEASANT HILL, Ill. — It was only fitting that the Pittsfield softball team’s victory over Pleasant Hill on Tuesday ended with the ball in Lila Simon’s glove. Simon’s bat put the Saukees in position to win the game in the first place. After blasting a two-out, three-run home run off of Saint Louis University commit…

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‘We got up and kept working’: Even in loss, Saukees prove they belong in conversation among state’s best

By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer | January 14, 2025
Pittsfield girls basketball coach Noah Mendenhall high fives Sophie Gengler as she comes to the bench during Monday night's game against Quincy Notre Dame at Voshall Gym in Pittsfield, Ill. | Shane Hulsey photo

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — Pittsfield girls basketball coach Noah Mendenhall knows one result does not define a season. But in the Saukees’ case, one game could provide a snapshot of a team’s potential. On Monday, the state-ranked Saukees rallied from a 41-30 third quarter deficit against Quincy Notre Dame, the No. 2 team Class 3A, to…

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