Posts Tagged ‘Prep softball’
Photo Gallery: Bunte’s amazing offensive streak continues for Raiders
PITTSFIELD, Ill. — Caitlin Bunte went 2 for 3 with a two-run home run in the third inning and scored three runs in Quincy Notre Dame’s 10-4 victory over Pittsfield in a prep softball game on Monday night. In the last eight games dating back to April 5, Bunte has gone 15 for 22 with…
Read MoreBunte has five hits, seven RBIs in first game as QND softball splits with Bloomington Central Catholic
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Caitlin Bunte had the game of dreams on Saturday. The Quincy Notre Dame senior and University of Indianapolis commit went 5 for 6 with seven RBIs and hit for the cycle in the Raiders’ 15-4 victory over Bloomington Central Catholic in the first game of a doubleheader. Bunte got the home run…
Read MoreArea Scoreboard for Saturday, April 12
Here is the area scoreboard for Saturday, April 12: Prep baseball Prep softball College baseball College softball Men’s volleyball Women’s Lacrosse
Read MoreBunte atones for first-inning mistake, goes 4 for 4 in QND softball team’s home victory
QUINCY — Caitlin Bunte did not let a first-inning error deter her and instead used it as motivation. Two batters into the Quincy Notre Dame softball team’s game against Triopia on Friday, Raiders third baseman Josie Boyer fielded a ground ball off the bat of Addilynn Tracy. Bunte dropped Boyer’s throw to first, allowing Tracy…
Read MorePhoto Gallery: Raiders shut down high-scoring Triopia after allowing early run
Caitlin Bunte had four hits, scored two runs and fired five scoreless innings in relief as the Quincy Notre Dame girls softball team beat Triopia 4-1 at The Backyard on Friday. Bunte struck out nine and retired the final 13 batters of the game, throwing 46 of her 61 pitches for strikes. Sports Writer Shane…
Read MoreArea scoreboard for Friday, April 11
Here is the area scoreboard for Friday, April 11: Prep Baseball Prep Softball Girls Soccer College Baseball College Softball Men’s Volleyball
Read MoreBaserunning calls cost QHS softball team critical outs in sixth, seventh innings of WB6 loss
QUINCY — Quincy High School softball coach Anjay Heinecke didn’t agree with the umpire’s calls, but there was nothing she or anyone could do to change them. Those calls came in a one-run game in the sixth and seventh innings of the Blue Devils’ 5-4 loss to Western Big 6 Conference foe Rock Island Alleman…
Read MoreMiller’s game-winning hit in bottom of eighth inning caps wild victory for Central over Western
CAMP POINT, Ill. — The look Lauren Miller wore on her face provided an indication to what had preceded her game-winning hit in the bottom of the eighth inning. “This game was an emotional rollercoaster … we just tried to keep the pressure on and keep scoring,” said Miller, whose frozen-rope one-out double down the…
Read MorePhoto Gallery: Blue Devils fall just short of overcoming five-run sixth inning by Alleman
The Rock Island Alleman Pioneers took the lead with a five-run sixth inning, then withstood two comeback attempts by Quincy High School to win 5-4 in a Western Big 6 Conference softball game on Wednesday evening. Sports Writer Shane Hulsey captured some of the moments during the game.
Read MoreArea scoreboard for Wednesday, April 9
Here is the area scoreboard for Wednesday, April 9: Prep baseball Prep softball Women’s lacrosse
Read MoreArea scoreboard for Saturday, April 5
QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Saturday, April 5: Prep baseball Quincy Notre Dame 3, Jacksonville 2 Prep softball Quincy Notre Dame 13, Dundee-Crown 5 Quincy Notre Dame 12, Fenton 3 Payson Seymour 11, Newark 11 Girls soccer Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin 3, Quincy Notre Dame 0 College baseball Quincy University 8, Indianapolis 6…
Read MoreArea scoreboard for Thursday, April 3
QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Thursday, April 3: Prep baseball Geneseo 5, Quincy High School 4 Quincy Notre Dame 4, Liberty 1 Monmouth United 5, Camp Point Central 4 Pittsfield 5, Riverton 4 Calhoun 9, Brown County 5 Monmouth-Roseville 5, West Hancock 3 Hannibal 3, Mexico 1 North Shelby 8, South Shelby…
Read MoreTake Note for Thursday, April 3: Sedovic is clutch in extra innings, Wiewel keeps hitting, Central juggernaut keeps piling up runs
QUINCY — Here are some of the newsworthy moments that took place across the area sports scene on Thursday, April 3: • Elise Sedovic continues to be the Quincy Notre Dame softball team’s secret weapon in late innings. Sedovic drew a walk to lead off the eighth inning against Liberty, went to second base on…
Read MoreTake note: Highlights from across the area sports scene for Tuesday, April 1
QUINCY — Here is a look at some of the highlights from across the area from Tuesday’s action: • Trace Routh went 3 for 3, while Drake Gibson had two hits and threw six scoreless innings as the Quincy High School baseball team went to Macomb on Tuesday and picked up an 11-0 victory. •…
Read MoreArea scoreboard for Tuesday, April 1
QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Tuesday, April 1: Prep baseball Quincy Notre Dame 7, Palmyra 0 Quincy High School 11, Macomb 0 Liberty 13, Southeastern 3 Camp Point Central 14, Pleasant Hill 3 Beardstown 3, Mendon Unity 2 Jacksonville Routt 10, Brown County 5 Pleasant Plains 10, Pittsfield 0 Moberly 5, Hannibal…
Read MoreMcMullen’s softball odyssey taking her from Pike County to state’s capitol to fulfill competitive drive
BARRY, Ill. — Rachel McMullen’s softball journey began innocently enough. A video of McMullen’s first tee ball at-bat — posted to her X account on March 3 — shows a 5-year-old McMullen hitting the tee with her first swing, but after reloading and taking another hack, making solid contact, dropping the bat and running to…
Read MoreDixon’s double gives Wildcats spark needed to burn out victory against Wolves
BARRY, Ill. — Intimidation turned into jubilation for Emma Dixon. And once Dixon provided the spark, Loryn White kept the fire burning. With the Barry Western softball team trailing Pleasant Hill 1-0 with two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the first inning on Monday, Dixon strode to the plate for her…
Read MoreArea scoreboard for Monday, March 31
QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Monday, March 31: Prep baseball Geneseo 15, Quincy High School 0 Illini West 4, Liberty 1 West Hancock 9, South Fulton 2 Canton 11, Monroe City 1 Marion County 12, Bevier 1 Prep softball Camp Point Central 10, Quincy High School 6 Pittsfield 16, North Greene 1…
Read MoreInterference call ends pitchers’ duel as Raiders outlast Warriors at softball slam
QUINCY — Whether the play was savvy, lucky or both, Alyssa Ley’s instincts paid off. With the bases loaded, two outs and the Quincy Notre Dame softball team leading Hardin Calhoun 1-0 in the top of the seventh inning Saturday, Ley ranged to her left from her shortstop position to field a ground ball off…
Read MoreWhite’s speed turns tide in Raiders’ favor during one-run win over Warriors
QUINCY — Quincy Notre Dame freshman outfielder Sophia White has earned the nickname “Flash.” On Saturday, she showed why. White led off the third inning of a scoreless game against Hardin Calhoun at The Backyard with one task — get on base. With that in mind, Raiders coach Eric Orne told White to bunt for…
Read MorePayson Seymour splits games at softball slam, while Illini West suffers pair of setbacks
QUINCY — Four teams provided a day full of action at Saturday’s Quincy Notre Dame Softball Slam at The Backyard. The finale provided plenty of drama with QND squeaking out a 1-0 victory over Hardin Calhoun. Here is a recap of the three games preceding that showdown: Archer’s timely hits give Indians lift Corin Robinson…
Read MoreArea scoreboard for Saturday, March 29
QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Saturday, March 29: Prep baseball Edwardsville 9, Illini West 0 Pittsfield 7, Lewistown 0 Pittsfield 8, Ridgewood 0 Brown County 6, Camp Point Central 4 Canton 6, Brown County 4 Canton 13, Camp Point Central 2 Hannibal 7, Wright City 1 Warrenton 14, Hannibal 1 Moberly 11,…
Read MoreHammerin’ Henry delivers two-run, walk-off blast as Pittsfield rallies to beat Camp Point Central
PITTSFIELD, Ill. — As dire as the situation seemed, Grace Henry believed she’d get an at-bat. The Pittsfield softball team trailed Camp Point Central 1-0 heading to the bottom of the seventh inning Friday when Panthers hurler Emma Stevens retired the first two batters, bringing Torie Stambaugh to the plate and Henry to the on-deck…
Read MoreArea scoreboard for Friday, March 28
QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Friday, March 28: Prep baseball Kirksville 5, Quincy High School 4 Illini West 15, Clark County 3 Liberty 12, West Hancock 2 Mendon Unity 12, Southeastern 0 Prep softball Pittsfield 2, Camp Point Central 1 Payson Seymour 10, North Greene 0 Rushville-Industry 13, Illini West 0 Girls…
Read MoreArea scoreboard for Thursday, March 27
QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Thursday, March 27: Prep baseball Illini West 4, Mercer County 3 Brown County 17, Abingdon-Avon 1 Palmyra 11, Canton 1 Prep softball Camp Point Central 16, South Fulton 5 Mercer County 8, Illini West 1 Girls soccer Hannibal 6, Kirksville 0 Women’s lacrosse Culver-Stockton College 18, Midland…
Read MoreArea scoreboard for Wednesday, March 26
QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Wednesday, March 26: Prep baseball Arlington Heights Hersey 10, Quincy Notre Dame 2 Camp Point Central 18, Rushville-Industry 11 Prep softball Camp Point Central 17, Mendon Unity 2 Liberty 5, Rushville-Industry 4 Pittsfield 12, New Berlin 1 Beardstown 7, Payson Seymour 5
Read MoreAll in the family: Three Henry sisters make history by belting home runs in same game
PITTSFIELD, Ill. — Piper Henry put pressure on her older sister, Grace, to come through in the clutch to make a historic moment complete. The senior delivered. With the Pittsfield softball team on the verge of finishing off its 24-7 victory over Southeastern on Tuesday, Grace Henry came to the plate with one out in…
Read MoreArea scoreboard for Tuesday, March 25
QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Tuesday, March 25: Prep baseball Quincy High School 7, Belleville West 4 Pleasant Plains 9, Quincy Notre Dame 8 Illini West 2, Sherrard 1 Mendon Unity 28, Payson Seymour 9 Brown County 16, Pleasant Hill 1 Francis Howell North 3, Hannibal 1 Palmyra 10, Elsberry 0 Monroe…
Read MoreWombles’ first inning slam propels Saukees to run-rule victory over Blue Devils
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Pittsfield builds momentum, QHS looks to rekindle it following softball showdown
QUINCY — The momentum the Pittsfield softball team felt it created in a season-opening loss to tradition-rich Carrollton carried the Saukees to a 14-4 victory over Quincy High School on Monday at Avenue of Lights Field. Meanwhile, the Blue Devils, who won their season opener last week against West Hancock, have a week to rekindle…
Read MoreLiberty topples Payson Seymour on both baseball, softball diamonds
PAYSON, Ill. — For one night at least, Liberty owns Adams County bragging rights. The Liberty baseball and softball teams swept matchups with Payson Seymour on Monday as the baseball team picked up four hits and two RBIs from the bottom three batters in the order to secure a 6-0 victory, while the softball team…
Read MoreArea scoreboard for Monday, March 24
QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Monday, March 24: Prep baseball Liberty 6, Payson Seymour 0 Mendon Unity 15, Monroe City 3 Brown County 5, Macomb 3 Beardstown 6, Camp Point Central 3 Rushville-Industry 17, West Hancock 7 Brookfield 8, South Shelby 5 Scotland County 15, Highland 0 Prep softball Pittsfield 14, Quincy…
Read MoreArea scoreboard for Saturday, March 22
QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Saturday, March 22: Prep baseball Quincy Notre Dame 5, Quincy High School 4 Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin 12, Quincy Notre Dame 4 Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin 7, Quincy High School 5 Pittsfield 13, Havana 3 Pittsfield 14, Havana 12 Payson Seymour 6, North Greene 5 Southern Boone 15, Palmyra…
Read MoreQND softball team manufactures walk-off victory, completes season-opening sweep
JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — The next time Quincy Notre Dame softball coach Eric Orne tells his team good things happen when you put pressure on the opposing defense, he has a prime example to use to back that up. The Raiders opened their season Friday afternoon with a 3-2 victory over East Dubuque in which they…
Read MoreArea scoreboard for Friday, March 21
QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Friday, March 21: Prep baseball Illini West 14, Bushnell-Prairie City 0 Liberty 12, Winchester West Central 4 Peoria Heights 8, Mendon Unity 5 Mendon Unity 5, Macomb 3 Camp Point Central 9, Payson Seymour 3 Monroe City 5, Sliex 3 Marion County 8, Mark Twain 7 Fort…
Read MoreBoyer joins Bunte to create formidable one-two punch for QND softball team’s pitching staff
QUINCY — Madalyn Boyer used to fear facing Caitlin Bunte. “I’ve always struggled hitting off of her,” Boyer said. “Everybody struggles hitting off of her.” Now there is no need to fear. Boyer, a senior pitcher and third baseman who transferred from Illini West to Quincy Notre Dame prior to this school year, will combine…
Read MoreSpring storylines will unfold as QHS teams with young lineups get acclimated to change
QUINCY — Spring will be a season of change for the Quincy High School athletic program. Several teams have experienced heavy graduation losses and will look to younger athletes to fill the void, while a coaching change comes with having an experienced group to lean on. The storylines are just beginning to unfold. Softball The…
Read MoreArea scoreboard for Tuesday, March 18
QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Tuesday, March 18: Prep baseball Liberty 3, Brown County 0 Pittsfield 15, West Hancock 0 Prep softball Liberty 22, Brown County 0 College baseball John Wood Community College 10, Spoon River 0 Spoon River 5, John Wood Community College 4 College softball Columbia College 12, Culver-Stockton College…
Read MoreArea scoreboard for Monday, March 17
QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Monday, March 17: Prep baseball Illini West 16, Triopia 2 Jacksonville Routt 10, Quincy High School 6 Mercer County 10, West Hancock 0 Prep softball Triopia 2, Illini West 1 College baseball Davenport 18, Quincy University 7 Davenport 9, Quincy University 7 Central Methodist 11, Culver-Stockton College…
Read MorePlan to replace lights at QHS baseball, softball fields began with independent inspection
QUINCY — A visual inspection of facilities and a phone call from a concerned neighbor put the process in motion that resulted in the lights coming down at both the Quincy High School baseball and softball fields. Neither facility will have lights for the spring season, news that became public last week as the light…
Read MoreQuincy High School softball coach suspended without pay after social media post
QUINCY — Quincy High School softball coach Darrell Henze was suspended Friday without pay pending a termination to be decided by the Quincy School Board at its February meeting for violating the school’s code of conduct for coaches. Henze said he was informed of the decision by Lisa Otten, the director of personnel for the…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: Highland’s Abby Lay discusses state championship, Player of the Year honor
LEWISTOWN, Mo. — As good as Abby Lay was throughout the regular season at keeping hitters off-balance and wriggling out of trouble, she was exponentially better in the postseason. Just consider this: the Highland softball team’s junior ace did not allow an earned run in the final seven games of the season, including each of…
Read More‘It’s the best feeling in the entire world’: Highland wins Class 2 state softball championship
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Highland softball program’s 2005 state championship trophy finally has company. The Cougars bested Mid-Buchanan 4-1 Saturday at the Killian Softball Complex to capture the Class 2 state title. “I’m still trying to process it,” Cougars coach Paul Scifres said. “Hard to believe, pretty surreal.” Cougars pitcher Abby Lay retired the Dragons…
Read MoreLundberg’s headfirst slide across home plate earns Highland spot in state softball title game
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A headfirst slide, a cloud of dust and a trip to the state championship game. With two outs in the top of the eighth in Friday’s Class 2 state softball semifinal at the Killian Softabll Complex, Highland’s Ali Lundberg scored on a passed ball to give the Cougars a 2-1 lead over…
Read MoreRecipe for success: Cougars’ explosive offense, Lay’s pitching and hearty breakfast casserole add up to state final four berth
LEWISTOWN, Mo. — If he were in the other dugout, Paul Scifres would not welcome the thought of facing the Highland softball team right now. He would welcome some of his wife Kendra’s breakfast casserole before a state championship game, though. In his 18th season as the Highland coach, Paul Scifres has guided the Cougars…
Read MoreFirst-inning runs give Cougars momentum as victory over Bulldogs earns final four berth
BETHANY, Mo. — The moment wasn’t too big for the Highland softball team. Their venture to the final four won’t be, either. The Cougars handled South Harrison 9-0 in Saturday’s Class 2 quarterfinal at Memorial Park. “They came out determined, focused and put out a great outing and a phenomenal performance,” Cougars coach Paul Scifres…
Read MoreHighland’s district softball championship just as grand as Rothweiler’s slam that powered it
LEWISTOWN, Mo. — A home run trot? Not so much. A home run sprint? That’s more like it. Keera Rothweiler wanted to get to home plate as quickly as she could to celebrate with her teammates after her grand slam in the first inning of Highland’s 15-0 victory over Monroe City in the Class 2…
Read More‘It was just a rush of energy’: Miller’s groundout plates Hays as Monroe City walks off with district semifinal victory
LEWISTOWN, Mo. — Makenna Miller had to put the ball in play. By doing so, she sent the Monroe City softball team to the Class 2 District 5 championship game in the process. The Panthers junior third baseman strode to the plate with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning of Thursday’s district…
Read More‘We’ve got a good thing going’: Highland softball team rolls into district title game with momentum
LEWISTOWN, Mo. — Time will tell how long the Highland softball team’s postseason run lasts, but coach Paul Scifres believes the Cougars have something special brewing. Junior Abby Lay twirled a five-inning no-hitter and senior Haleigh Winter matched the school single-season home run record as the top-seeded Cougars rolled over fifth-seeded Clark County 13-0 Thursday…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Highland, Monroe City reach Class 2 District 5 softball championship game
To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site. LEWISTOWN, Mo. — The top-seeded Highland softball team and second-seeded Monroe City will meet for the third time this season at 1 p.m. Saturday after earning their spots in the Class 2 District 5 championship game. Highland dispatched…
Read MoreSouth Shelby’s sixth-inning, two-out rally sets up district softball semifinal showdowns
EWING, Mo. — The third-seeded South Shelby softball team scored seven times with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning to rally for a 12-7 victory over Palmyra in Wednesday’s Class 2 District 5 quarterfinals at Highland High School. The Cardinals took the lead on Bella Cook’s two-run and punctuated the frame with…
Read MoreCougars manufacture three runs in sixth inning, beat Tigers to gain leg up in Lewis County rivalry
EWING, Mo. — For at least a few days, the Highland softball team will have bragging rights in Lewis County. A three-run sixth inning, along with some steady play defensively, enabled the Cougars to knock off Canton 3-1 Tuesday night in the first of two regular-season meetings between the Lewis County schools. The Tigers will…
Read MoreScoreboard for Tuesday, Sept. 17
Sweep keeps Blue Devils undefeated in WB6 play GALESBURG, Ill. — The Quincy High School volleyball team stayed undefeated in Western Big 6 Conference play Tuesday night with a sweep of Galesburg, winning 25-18, 25-18 at Thiel Gym. The Blue Devils are 9-2 overall and 5-0 in the WB6 ahead of Thursday’s showdown with Moline…
Read MoreMonroe City’s Youngblood carries on family legacy of creating havoc on softball diamonds
MONROE CITY, Mo. — The end of an era for the Monroe City softball program is coming soon. Panthers coach Melissa Chinn tries not to let that cross her mind. “It’s very sad to think about,” Chinn said. At the same time, she is grateful for having been able to coach each of the three…
Read MoreScoreboard for Monday, Sept. 16
MACOMB, Ill. — The Macomb boys and girls golf teams each took home Prairieland Conference crowns Monday afternoon at Macomb Country Club. The Bombers boys squad finished with a combined 316, 17 shots clear of Illini West in second. Brady Scalf carded a 76, one stroke ahead of Illini West’s Nick Bruns, to win the…
Read More‘I just wanted to play for him’: Ruffcorn, Tigers tough out win day after Birck’s death
CANTON, Mo. — Allie Ruffcorn wasn’t just pitching for the Canton softball team on Wednesday. She was pitching for Carson Birck. Birck, a 2020 Canton graduate and former Tigers baseball and basketball player, died Tuesday during a work-related accident. “I cried a lot during warmups,” Ruffcorn said. “I didn’t go to school today. I just…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Canton, Bowling Green softball teams square off
To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site. CANTON, Mo. — Allie Ruffcorn’s complete-game effort carried the Canton softball team to an 8-3 victory over Bowling Green on Wednesday. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey took in the action and put together this photo gallery:
Read MoreScoreboard for Sept. 10: Tigers, Panthers pick up softball victories, Saukees win first volleyball match
Tigers roar back with offensive outburst WESTRAN, Mo. — The Canton softball team erased a three-run deficit by scoring four runs in the third inning and rolled to a 24-9 victory over Western on Tuesday. Chayse Uhlmeyer finished 4 for 5 with three RBIs, while Allie Ruffcorn and Kadence Taylor had two hits apiece. Panthers…
Read MoreHighland dispatches Monroe City in three innings in CCC opener on softball diamond
EWING, Mo. — Well, at least it was quick, but not necessarily painless. Highland dispatched Monroe City 15-0 in a Clarence Cannon Conference softball game Monday evening that was stopped in the bottom of the third inning by the mercy rule. Just how dominant was Highland? • The Cougars (6-3) were working on their fourth…
Read MoreScoreboard for Thursday, Sept. 5: Canton, Mark Twain earn softball victories, Hannibal nets NCMC win
Tigers fly past Eagles in home opener CANTON, Mo. — The Canton softball team made quick work of Knox County on Thursday. The Tigers scored 12 runs in the first inning of a 15-0 three-inning victory. Canton’s first six batters of the game reached base, and the Tigers took advantage of three errors and four…
Read MoreScoreboard for Wednesday, Sept. 4: Youngblood goes 4 for 4, Central wins again at Suns Classic
Youngblood powers Panthers to victory MONROE CITY, Mo. — Audri Youngblood went 4 for 4 with three doubles and a home run as the Monroe City softball team improved to 4-0 with a 16-6 victory over Mark Twain. Youngblood drove in five runs. Kauble and Foltz had two hits apiece for the Panthers. Boling had…
Read MoreScoreboard for Tuesday, Sept. 3: QHS girls tennis team finally plays, Highland with key softball win
Blue Devils finally open season, net first victory CHATHAM, Ill. — The Quincy High School girls tennis team had its first two regular-season events canceled, which meant Tuesday’s dual against Chatham Glenwood turned into the Blue Devils’ season opener and first victory with a 6-3 decision. The Blue Devils’ won three singles matches in tiebreakers,…
Read MoreRally comes too late for Pirates in NCMC loss to Hornets
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal softball team refused to go down quietly. Trailing by six runs heading into the bottom of the seventh inning Monday against Fulton at the Veterans Sports Complex, the Pirates put together a rally. Kennedi Gibbons and Katelyn Mountain led off with back-to-back singles, with Gibbons scoring one out later on…
Read MoreSemifinal rally catapults Monroe City softball team to championship of Moberly Tournament
MOBERLY, Mo. — Never out of the fight. It’s a motto the Monroe City softball team may soon adopt. The Panthers trailed Owensville 7-0 after the first inning of Saturday’s semifinal matchup in the Moberly Tournament, but they responded with three runs in the top of the second inning and continued rallying for an 11-9…
Read MoreMissouri softball preview: Highland reloads, Monroe City rebuilds, Canton reenergizes
EWING, Mo. — The memory still lingers. Sure, the Highland softball team achieved quite a bit last fall, earning a No. 1 state ranking among Class 2 schools, winning 20 games in a row at one point and fashioning a 27-3 overall record. But how it all concluded still leaves a sour taste and ……
Read MoreQND’s Bunte realizes ‘I really love this place’ as she commits to Indianapolis softball program
QUINCY — As the recruiting process began to evolve, Caitlin Bunte realized there was more to think about than softball alone. “I looked past that at the beginning,” the Quincy Notre Dame softball standout said. “I was like, ‘I want to play softball. I want to find somewhere where I can step in and play.’…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: Softball Player of the Year McKinley Lowe discusses Pleasant Hill’s historic season
PLEASANT HILL, Ill. — McKinley Lowe and the Pleasant Hill softball team made history this spring. Not only did the Wolves win 26 games, but they became the first team in school history to play for a sectional championship. A 1-0 loss to Illini Bluffs ended the incredible run, but Lowe set aside the pain…
Read More2024 Illinois all-area softball team: Mix of speed and power leads to incredible success
QUINCY — Speed and power. It could be used to describe both the offensive aptitude of the players comprising the all-area softball team and the ability of those in the pitcher’s circle. Of the 15 players selected, 10 hit .400 or better and two hit .500 or better. The pitchers were just as dominant as…
Read MoreFour Pleasant Hill players named to Class 1A all-state team; Central’s Miller, QND’s Bunte, two from Liberty also honored
QUINCY — Four players who helped the Pleasant Hill softball team reach a sectional championship game for the first time in school history recently received all-state honors. Senior pitcher McKinley Lowe and junior outfielder and pitcher Ava Wombles each made the Illinois Coaches Association Class 1A all-state first team. Lowe tossed three no-hitters and carried…
Read MoreWolves set bar high, create expectations for future softball players to chase
GLASFORD, Ill. — Ryan Lowe’s sunglasses hid his tears, but anyone listening could hear the angst in his voice. The Pleasant Hill softball coach couldn’t hold back the emotion as he addressed his team following the Wolves’ 1-0 loss to Illini Bluffs in the Class 1A Glasford Sectional title game on Saturday. “You’ve built something…
Read MoreBlue Devils struggle defensively in loss to Lancers in Class 4A regional championship game
BELLEVILLE, Ill. — When things began unraveling for the Quincy High School softball team, there was no chance of reeling it back in. The Blue Devils committed four errors and allowed seven unearned runs in the first two innings Saturday, leading to a 10-0 loss to top-seeded Belleville East in the championship game of the…
Read More‘We were so close’: Raiders unable to get final out before Spartans rally to win sectional semifinal
WILLIAMSVILLE, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame softball team went from utter delight to bitter disappointment in less than an inning. With it, the Raiders’ season hit its end. Morgan Zanger’s three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth gave QND a two-run lead in the Class 2A Williamsville Sectional semifinal against Stanford Olympia,…
Read MoreWolves end Ducks’ seventh-inning rally with play at plate to advance to sectional title game
GLASFORD, Ill. — As the runner came down the third-base line and the throw sailed in from right field with both destined to meet at home plate, Pleasant Hill softball coach Ryan Lowe momentarily held his breath. Most everyone else did, too. “Oh, my goodness,” Lowe said. “It was that way the whole game.” Kaitlyn…
Read MoreBlue Devils win first postseason game since 2012, ride confidence into regional title tilt
BELLEVILLE, Ill. — The confidence the Quincy High School softball team carried into the postseason enabled the Blue Devils to do something Wednesday night that hadn’t happened in a dozen years. It also affords them the chance to accomplish something that hasn’t happened since the Illinois High School Association went to the four-class system at…
Read MoreIndians hang tough with top-ranked Tigers, but fall in Class 1A sectional semifinals
GLASFORD, Ill. — When Payson Seymour coach Joe Fessler addressed his team after their 6-1 loss to Illini Bluffs in the Class 1A Glasford Sectional semifinal on Tuesday, there were some understandably disappointed faces. “Some of them had some tears in their eyes,” Fessler said. “I don’t think it was necessarily tears that we lost.…
Read MoreBunte, Raiders sidestep postseason nemesis to win Class 2A regional championship
BUFFALO, Ill. — Even the most seasoned competitor can feel the pressure when a postseason nemesis stares you in the face. So Quincy Notre Dame softball coach Eric Orne reminded junior ace Caitlin Bunte to just breathe as the Raiders headed into Saturday’s Class 2A regional championship game against Buffalo Tri-City. “I was telling Coach…
Read MoreBreakfast of champions: Sweet treats, hot bats carry Wolves to third regional title in four years
CAMP POINT, Ill. — The Pleasant Hill softball team received a special delivery on the way to Saturday morning’s Class 1A Camp Point Regional championship game. “The Fourth of July committee in Pleasant Hill was selling donuts at the four-way stop, and I guess they saw the bus getting ready and they said, ‘Stop by…
Read MoreChargers let lead slip away, fall to Turks in regional championship game
TREMONT, Ill. — The Illini West softball team’s start against Tremont on Saturday was everything the Chargers could have asked for, but a seven-run fourth inning led to a 9-7 victory for the Turks in the Class 2A Tremont Regional championship game. The Chargers scored five runs in the top of the second. Payton Downs…
Read MoreDefensive gem caps Hagerbaumer’s dominant pitching effort as Payson wins regional softball crown
BARRY, Ill. — As the ball came off Ava Heming’s bat, Payson Seymour softball coach Joe Fessler figured the tying run was headed for home. “I thought for sure it was hit into the outfield,” he said. Olivia Mock didn’t let that happen. The Indians second baseman and a leaping catch of Heming’s liner between…
Read MoreSpring postseason scoreboard: Regional title matchups set, soccer sectionals on tap
QUINCY — Here is a look at the schedule for regional play in Illinois in baseball, softball and girls soccer, as well as the Missouri district baseball tournaments: Illinois baseball Class 2A Pleasant Plains Sectional Wednesday, May 22 Game 1 — Winner North Mac Regional vs. Winner Pittsfield Regional, 4:30 p.m. Game 2 — Winner…
Read More‘I had to send her’: Miller’s heroics send Panthers to regional championship game on home field
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Karly Peters knew exactly what was on the line and exactly what to do. In the bottom of the seventh inning of Wednesday’s Class 1A regional semifinal, Peters stood on second base as Lauren Miller stepped to the plate with the bases loaded, two outs and the Camp Point Central softball…
Read MoreNot this time: Wolves get revenge on Mustangs, advance to regional championship game
CAMP POINT, Ill. — It was deja vu for the Pleasant Hill softball team ahead of their Class 1A Camp Point Regional semifinal game against Mendon Unity on Wednesday. The Wolves’ 2022 season ended in a 13-inning loss to Unity in the regional semifinals in Camp Point when Pleasant Hill was the No. 1 seed…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Pleasant Hill, Camp Point Central advance to regional softball championship
CAMP POINT, Ill. — The Camp Point Central softball team walked off with a 5-4 victory over Southeastern in Wednesday’s semifinals of the Class 1A Camp Point Regional, while top-seeded Pleasant Hill rolled to a 12-2 victory over Mendon Unity. The Panthers and Wolves will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday for the regional championship. Muddy…
Read MoreAbility to hit speed and spin allows Raiders to move on to regional championship game
BUFFALO, Ill. — The late-season schedule Quincy Notre Dame softball coach Eric Orne puts together is done by design. He wants the Raiders to see elite pitching so they’re prepared to face it in the postseason. The strategy paid off Tuesday. Second-seeded QND knocked out Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin, collecting nine hits with three doubles in…
Read MoreShutout enables QND seniors to walk away from final home game with ‘memory I’ll hold forever’
QUINCY — The seniors on the Quincy Notre Dame softball team celebrated Senior Night before Friday’s victory against Camp Point Central, but Saturday was their final game at The Backyard. That’s what made it such a bittersweet day. “It’s just a memory I’ll hold forever,” senior outfielder Marah Becks said. “This is just a place…
Read MoreRaiders wrap up WCC title as Stupavsky delivers senior at-bat, Bunte proves unhittable
QUINCY — Quincy Notre Dame softball coach Eric Orne implored catcher Payton Stupvasky to have a “senior at-bat.” She didn’t disappoint. With runners on second and third base in the fourth inning of a scoreless game Friday at The Backyard, Stupavsky drove a fly ball to right-center field that Camp Point Central’s Claire Huston caught,…
Read MoreAround the area: QHS tennis team with strong showing on first day of WB6 championships
GENESEO, Ill. — The Quincy High School boys tennis team positioned itself to claim the Western Big 6 Conference championship with a strong showing Friday. The Blue Devils lead the field with 12 team points, advancing two singles players and their No. 1 doubles team to Saturday’s semifinals. In singles play, third-seeded Trevor Nelson lost…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND, Camp Point Central square off in WCC softball battle
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame softball team completed its pursuit of the West Central Conference championship on Friday, beating Camp Point Central 4-0 at The Backyard as Caitlin Bunte tossed a one-hitter with nine strikeouts. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent time behind home plate and put together this photo gallery:
Read MoreAround the area: Allison lifts Panthers to victory, Pirates’ offense rolls, Allen tosses shutout for Saukees
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Braizley Allison came through in the clutch. With two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning Tuesday and the Camp Point Central and Payson Seymour softball teams knotted at 8, Allison singled through the left side of the infield to drive in Anna Peters with what turned out to be…
Read MoreAround the area: Chargers walk off with victory, Titans’ Larson plates winning run, Panthers thrive on pair of homers
CARTHAGE, Ill — Wesley Robertson’s walk-off single was the exclamation point on the Illini West baseball team’s 6-5 victory over Lewistown-Valley-Cuba on Monday. With the game tied at 5 and one out in the bottom of the seventh inning, Carter Chapin reached on an error, and Colby Robertson singled to move the winning run to…
Read MoreLowe outduels Bunte, Sidwell delivers go-ahead double as Wolves beat Raiders in extra innings
QUINCY — Maddie Sidwell won the deciding battle, and the Pleasant Hill softball team won the war. Sidwell’s bases-clearing double with two outs in the top of the eighth inning broke a 2-2 tie and propelled the Wolves to a 5-2 win over Quincy Notre Dame in the QND Softball Slam at The Backyard on…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Competitive games highlight QND softball slam at The Backyard
QUINCY — The rain stayed away Saturday, which led to a competitive day of softball at The Backyard as four area teams took part in the Quincy Notre Dame softball slam. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey spent time at The Backyard and put together this photo gallery:
Read MoreAround the area: Hlubek belts three homers to lead Blue Devils past Chargers
QUINCY — Avary Hlubek could not and would not be denied. The sophomore center fielder hit home runs in the second, fourth and fifth innings of the Quincy High School softball team’s 12-4 victory over Illini West on Friday. Her second inning home run came just three batters after Carlee Gilker hit a two-run home…
Read MoreRaiders unable to connect against Warriors’ Gilman, suffer second loss of season
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame softball team’s overstuffed week isn’t expected to get any easier, not with a couple of rivalry games on tap. It sure can’t get much more difficult than facing Audrey Gilman. The Hardin Calhoun junior right-hander mowed down the Raiders, holding them hitless until the fifth inning and striking out…
Read MoreWalk it off, walk it off: Allison’s two-run single finishes off Galesburg as QHS wins third straight
QUINCY — Aurora Allison didn’t realize what she had done. Her single to center field with one out in the sixth inning drove in a pair of runs as the Quincy High School softball team walked off with a 14-4 victory Monday over Galesburg in Western Big 6 Conference play. Allison, the senior first baseman,…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS softball team completes season sweep of Galesburg
QUINCY — On a night when the Quincy High School softball team celebrated its three seniors, one of them provided the exclamation point on a 14-4 victory over Galesburg in Western Big 6 Conference action at the QHS field. Aurora Allison’s one-out single in the bottom of the sixth inning Monday drove in two runs,…
Read MoreAround the area: Pirates win sixth straight, Lowe tosses another shutout, Mustangs score early
FULTON, Mo. — Alaina Power and Maggie Routh each scored their first career goal as the Hannibal girls soccer team defeated Fulton 8-0 in a North Central Missouri Conference game. This is the Pirates’ sixth straight win and fourth consecutive shutout. Goalkeeper Ava Turner has notched 12 shutouts this season. Ashley Davis netted a hat…
Read MorePrairie State Profile: Lowe, Wombles leading Wolves on hunt for state title
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,…
Read More‘See ball, hit ball’: Simple approach with runners on base enables Raiders to pick up WCC victory
QUINCY — Alyssa Ley tried not to let any grand illusions cross her mind. Stepping to the plate with the bases loaded in the fifth inning of a one-run game, the Quincy Notre Dame softball team’s junior shortstop roped a double the opposite way to right field to drive in two runs. Lauren Miller followed…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND, West Hancock engage in key conference showdown at The Backyard
QUINCY — A four-run fifth inning that featured back-to-back run-scoring hits to the opposite field lifted the Quincy Notre Dame softball team to a 6-1 victory over West Hancock in a West Central Conference matchup Wednesday at The Backyard. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent some time at The Backyard and put together this…
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