Posts Tagged ‘Prep softball’
Show Me Spotlight: Softball superhero is role Highland’s Harshberger continues to reprise
EWING, Mo. — Emma Harshberger and her Highland softball teammates found themselves in the crosshairs before the meat of their schedule began. The initial Missouri High School Fastpitch Coaches Association state rankings were released Sept. 11 with Highland topping the Class 2 poll. The Cougars have won five consecutive games since then, improving to 13-2…
Read MoreSoftball is in her Youngblood: Monroe City junior shortstop punctuates victory with home run
PALMYRA, Mo. — Audri Youngblood is a multi-sport standout at Monroe City High School. Youngblood plays basketball in the winter and runs track in the spring. In the fall, her focus is on softball. “Softball’s my favorite,” the junior shortstop said. On Thursday night, it was easy to see why. Youngblood strung together an impressive…
Read MoreHighland softball team uses extra effort to complete sweep and win Classic championship
COTTLEVILLE, Mo. — A pair of extra-inning victories Saturday enabled the Highland softball team to remain undefeated and capture the championship of the 13th annual Francis Howell Central Classic. The Cougars scored seven runs in the top of the eighth inning to score a 14-7 victory over Westminster Christian and followed it by scoring a…
Read MoreEight-run first inning propels Monroe City to victory in third-place game against Canton
MONROE CITY, Mo. — An eight-run outburst in the bottom of the first inning enabled the Monroe City softball team to put Canton on its heels and secure a 15-5, five-inning victory in the third-place game of Saturday’s 26th annual Monroe City Tournament. Monroe City went 2-1 overall, beating Hannibal 17-2 in the opener and…
Read MoreShow Me Spotlight: Canton’s Fisher authoring memorable career as three-sport athlete
CANTON, Mo. — Macie Fisher and the Canton softball players open the season with a target squarely on them. Not only are the Tigers the reigning Class 1 state champions, but with a wealth of talent and experience returning, they should be the team to beat in Northeast Missouri this fall. That means every opponent…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Action gets underway as Hannibal teams prepare for fall seasons
HANNIBAL, Mo. — A new year has begun. Award-winning freelance photographer Mathew Kirby spent Monday criss-crossing the Hannibal High School campus and venturing out to the Veterans Elementary sports complex as Hannibal teams opened fall practice. He even made it to Norwoods Golf Course for the girls golf team’s practice. Kirby put together this photo…
Read MoreQND’s Bunte, Pleasant Hill’s Lowe and Brown County’s Dunlap earn first-team all-state honors
QUINCY — Quincy Notre Dame sophomore Caitlin Bunte led a trio of area softball players who earned first-team all-state honors from the Illinois Coaches Association. Eight others received second- or third-team honors. Bunte, a left-handed pitcher and outfielder, was named to the Class 2A first team, while Pleasant Hill junior pitcher McKinley Lowe and Brown…
Read More‘No one quit’: QND softball team showcases resiliency before comeback ends in super-sectional loss
DECATUR, Ill. — The cardiac queens were at it agaIn. Facing a four-run deficit heading to the bottom of the fifth inning — the second time the Quincy Notre Dame softball team had trailed this deep in a game this postseason and the third straight game in which late-inning runs were needed to advance —…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND softball team showcases its resiliency during Class 2A super-sectional loss
DECATUR, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame softball team once again refused to go down without a fight. Trailing by three or more runs twice during Monday’s Class 2A Decatur Super-Sectional against Effingham St. Anthony, the Raiders rallied. They erased a three-run deficit in the first inning and nearly squashed a four-run deficit before the…
Read MoreAll Boden-s well for Raiders in extra innings of sectional championship victory
QUINCY — As she trotted toward home plate following a solo home run in the top of the ninth inning to put her team back in front, Brooke Boden wasn’t thinking she would have to be the hero again two innings later. “I was just ready to get our last out,” the Quincy Notre Dame…
Read MoreTigers use walk-off home run leading off seventh to end Wolves’ season
HAVANA, Ill. — One pitch, one swing, one sudden ending. Illini Bluffs catcher Lexi Brinkman jumped on the first pitch from Pleasant Hill’s McKinley Lowe in the bottom of the seventh inning Wednesday and smacked a walk-off home run to center field for a 4-3 victory in the semifinals of the Class 1A Havana softball…
Read More‘All I wanted was a single’: Schreacke’s simple approach leads to game-winning three-run blast as Raiders rally to win sectional semifinal
QUINCY — A not-so-silent plea rang from the Quincy Notre Dame faithful stacked along the third-base line as Abbey Schreacke strolled to the plate. “C’mon, Abbey, put it over the fence,” one fan bellowed. Schreacke had something a little less dramatic in mind. With the QND softball team trailing Stanford Olympia 5-3 with one out…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND, Auburn advance to Class 2A sectional softball championship game
QUINCY — One scored early and often, the other rallied late. Now, they’ll go head-to-head for a sectional championship. The Auburn softball team scored 11 runs in the first inning and beat Macomb 16-0 in the first semifinal Tuesday in the Class 2A QND Sectional at The Backyard. Quincy Notre Dame followed by scoring four…
Read MoreMomentum-swinging plays send Raiders home with regional title and another chance to play at The Backyard
CANTON, Ill. — Caitlin Bunte needed one pitch to erase a threat and one swing to start an onslaught. It all took place in a matter of minutes. “It’s what she’s done all year long. She made great adjustments in the circle and then comes up and hits a blast,” Quincy Notre Dame softball coach…
Read MoreBombers bomb away, hit four home runs in regional championship victory
MACOMB, Ill. — One swing is all Sarah Stufflebeam needed to set the tone. After Kaitlyn Robinson retired the Rushville-Industry softball team in order in the top of the first inning of Friday’s Class 2A Macomb Regional championship game, Stufflebeam cracked a two-run home run in the bottom of the frame and propelled Macomb to…
Read MoreImmediately quashing Bluejays’ momentum allows Raiders to head to regional title tilt
CANTON, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame softball team didn’t allow Petersburg PORTA’s momentum to last long. Abbey Schreacke and Brooke Boden took care of that. After the Bluejays scored twice in the top of the fifth, reducing the Raiders’ three-run edge to one, Schreacke led off the bottom of the frame with a single…
Read MorePalmyra hires SIU all-time hits leader as new softball coach, adds Hannibal product as assistant football coach
PALMYRA, Mo. — The Palmyra coaching staff is getting an injection of youth across the board. During its May meeting, the Palmyra R-I Board of Education approved the hiring of Jenny Jansen, a 2022 graduate of Southern Illinois University, as the new varsity softball coach and two former Culver-Stockton College football players — Dalton Huffman…
Read MoreCentral celebrates Senior Night by sweeping baseball, softball games
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Senior Night turned into quite the affair for the Central baseball and softball teams. The Panthers punctuated a 10-1 victory over Triopia on the baseball diamond by bookending the game with four-run innings in the first and sixth, while on the softball field, the Panthers made a pair of third-inning runs…
Read MoreQuick as a Flachs: Center fielder’s crucial hit helps Raiders fend off challenge from Wolves
QUINCY — The two-run lead vanished, and with it seemed to go with the momentum and the energy the Quincy Notre Dame softball team brought to The Backyard on Saturday. Mackenzie Flachs brought it all back. After Pleasant Hill’s Ava Wombles scored on Jade Peebles single in the top of the third inning to tie…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND softball team collides with Pleasant Hill, Pittsfield at The Backyard
QUINCY — With the postseason looming, a couple of regional title hopefuls went head-to-head Saturday at The Backyard as the Quincy Notre Dame softball team upended Pleasant Hill 11-2 during the QND Slam. The Raiders also beat Pittsfield 13-5. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent time at The Backyard and put together this photo…
Read MoreRaiders’ victory over Bombers could be prelude to sectional showdown
MACOMB, Ill. — Until we meet again. And there is a strong chance it will happen. With the Quincy Notre Dame and Macomb softball teams each the top seed in their respective regionals, the idea Wednesday’s game will evolve into a postseason rematch lingered, especially after the Raiders scored twice in the seventh inning to…
Read MoreQND softball team’s ability to battle and rally will serve it well in postseason
QUINCY — Eric Orne isn’t shying away from putting the Quincy Notre Dame softball team in high-leverage situations before the postseason arrives. “These are championship Saturdays for us,” the veteran skipper said after the Raiders suffered a 7-6 loss to Tolono Unity on Saturday at The Backyard. “These are the kind of teams and the…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND softball team rallies three times against tradition-rich Tolono Unity
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame softball team found itself trailing three times in the first six innings of Saturday’s game against Tolono Unity at The Backyard and rallied to tie it each time. The Rockets, however, scoring in the top of the seventh to secure a 7-6 victory. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman…
Read MoreRaiders embrace challenges, produce in late-inning situations to fend off feisty Blue Devils
QUINCY — The manner in which the Quincy Notre Dame softball team ran roughshod through the first third of its schedule meant the Raiders weren’t put in many late-game situations that challenged their resolve. Then came Monday. After Caitlin Bunte laser-beamed a two-run home run to right field in the bottom of the fifth inning…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND rallies to beat QHS in softball’s crosstown showdown at The Backyard
QUINCY — A three-run rally in the bottom of the sixth inning sparked by an RBI single from Payton Stupavsky allowed the Quincy Notre Dame softball team to secure a 6-3 victory over Quincy High School on Monday at The Backyard and sweep in the city series. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent the…
Read MoreRaiders bounce back from first loss to sweep pair of blowouts with big offensive effort
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame softball team rebounded in a big way. Following Friday’s loss at Chatham Glenwood — the Raiders’ first loss of the season — QND swept a pair of games Saturday at The Backyard by beating Petersburg PORTA 16-2 and Jacksonville 14-1 amid cold, windy conditions. Against PORTA, the Raiders (13-1)…
Read MoreRaiders suffer first loss as Titans use four-run frame to take control
CHATHAM, Ill. — The first time through the lineup Friday afternoon, the Chatham Glenwood softball team found Quincy Notre Dame left-handed hurler Caitlin Bunte impossible to hit. The second time through, the Titans figured her out. The first three hitters in the bottom of the fourth inning each singled and Glenwood’s Cassandra Feld followed with…
Read MoreRaiders continue hit parade against Indians, run winning streak to 11 straight with Titans looming
QUINCY — Addi Zanger understands there’s a peaceful, easy feeling knowing the Quincy Notre Dame softball players won’t let each other down. It helps they’re all on common ground. “You want to get a hit, but there’s no stress,” the senior first baseman said. “We have good at-bats all the way through. It’s a really…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND softball team racks up 16 hits in victory over Payson Seymour
QUINCY — The full potency of the Quincy Notre Dame softball team’s lineup was on display Wednesday in a 12-4 victory over Payson Seymour at The Backyard. The Raiders racked up 16 hits, five doubles, a triple and a home run, while seven different players had at least one hit and six players drove in…
Read MorePerfect 10s: Raiders improve to 10-0 with 10-run rout of Cyclones behind Bunte’s no-hitter
QUINCY — Caitlin Bunte didn’t expect a blustery wind blowing straight out to center field Monday afternoon to alter anything she needed to do in the pitcher’s circle. “If I’m hitting my spots, even with the wind blowing, I knew we’d be fine,” she said. Then the Quincy Notre Dame softball team’s left-handed hurler saw…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND softball team stays undefeated with five-inning victory over SHG
QUINCY — Caitlin Bunte was unhittable in the circle and unstoppable at the plate. The Quincy Notre Dame sophomore tossed a five-inning no-hitter in leading the QND softball team to a 10-0 victory over Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin on Monday at The Backyard. Bunte also belted two home runs as the Raiders improved to 10-0. Muddy…
Read MoreBunte quiets QHS bats as QND softball team rolls to victory in crosstown showdown
QUINCY — Eric Orne’s assessment was equally accurate and understated. “Caitlin does a lot of things for us,” the Quincy Notre Dame softball coach said. Orne was complimenting the Raiders’ left-handed ace, Caitlin Bunte, who had just dominated rival Quincy High School with a strong effort both on the mound and at bat. Bunte pitched…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND shuts out QHS in first of two meetings on softball diamond
QUINCY — Caitlin Bunte was dominant in the pitcher’s circle. The Quincy Notre Dame softball team collected timely hits. And Quincy High School struggled to generate an answer offensively. The end result in the first of two crosstown showdowns this spring was a 10-0 victory for the Raiders on Wednesday night at the QHS field.…
Read MoreBunte’s effort in circle, Raiders’ ability to play with ‘speed and power’ leads to victory over Rockets
QUINCY — Perched at first base, Addi Zanger gets a daily bird’s-eye view of Caitlin Bunte in the pitcher’s circle. Most games, it can be a little monotonous, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. “I don’t really do anything,” Zanger said with a chuckle. “She rolls us a lot of ground balls which is…
Read MoreCompetitive play in WB6 loss shows progress QHS softball team is making
QUINCY — From Darrell Henze’s perspective, the glass remains half full. Sure, the Quincy High softball coach watched his club drop a 15-6 Western Big 6 Conference game on a breezy Thursday afternoon to undefeated Sterling, but Henze was far from despondent. The Blue Devils, now 3-3 overall and 0-2 in the conference, are working…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS baseball, softball teams play side-by-side with home games
QUINCY — The Quincy High School baseball team finally got the chance to play at home Thursday, while the QHS softball team dove into Western Big 6 Conference play in its own backyard. The baseball team improved to 2-2 with a 15-0 victory over Palmyra featuring Evan Sohn and Joe Schroeder setting the stage at…
Read MoreQND softball team capitalizes on scoring chances, Bunte powers Raiders to victory over Mustangs
MENDON, Ill. — Opportunistic or powerful describes the Quincy Notre Dame softball team’s offense depending on the situation. In the first inning of Tuesday’s West Central Conference game against Unity, the Raiders seized the moment as Brooke Boden followed an error that put runners at the corners by stroking a two-run double to right field.…
Read MoreRaiders capitalize on opportunities, hold opposing bats at bay in sweeping season-opening twinbill
QUINCY — Strong pitching, clutch hitting and solid defense. Put those three together and you end up with the results the Quincy Notre Dame softball team enjoyed Saturday during its season-opening games at The Backyard. The Raiders saw Carly Gilker and Caitlin Bunte combine to throw a one-hitter in a 5-0 victory over Calhoun and…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND softball team opens season by sweeping pair of games at The Backyard
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame softball team put together strong pitching performances and opportunistic at-bats to beat Calhoun 5-0 and Illini West 13-2 on Saturday in its season-opening games at The Backyard. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured some of the action for this photo gallery:
Read MoreOptimism is high as QHS softball team returns bevy of offensive weapons
QUINCY — Quincy High School softball coach Darrell Henze says his approach to the game has changed as the years have passed. “I’ve tried to mellow out and adapt to each team, dealing with the different personalities and what motivates each of the players,” he said. That kind of outlook may come in especially handy…
Read MoreQND softball team ready to chase another regional title with potent lineup still intact
QUINCY — Eric Orne says the Quincy Notre Dame softball team is more interested in the long haul, rather than immediate dividends. “We hope to be playing our best ball in May,” said Orne, beginning his 26th campaign as QND’s head coach. “We’ve got a strong schedule designed to help us get ready for the…
Read MoreRobinson leads Bombers to one-run victory over Hornets in season opener
MACOMB, Ill. — A state-ranked showdown to open the prep softball season came down to the final at-bat just like everyone hoped it would. Macomb’s Kaitlyn Robinson scored the tying run in the bottom of the sixth inning and then worked a 1-2-3 seventh inning to preserve a 4-3 victory over Brown County. The Bombers…
Read MoreJWCC Prairie State Profile: Brown County softball team looks for experience to lead to more postseason success
MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — Graduation hit the Brown County softball team relatively hard, taking away eight players who contributed to back-to-back Class 1A regional championships. By no means should that suggest the cupboard is bare. Buoyed by the return of starting pitcher Taryn Moorman, the twin tandem of Katey and Klare Flynn and versatile Cyrah…
Read MorePrize of the Tigers: Canton shows moxie in upending Polo and winning Class 1 state softball championship
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — An ominous beginning couldn’t darken the Canton softball team’s mood. It certainly didn’t ruin the Tigers’ mojo either. Under cloudy skies and dealing with windy conditions Saturday afternoon, Canton was forced to wait through an epic Class 3 state championship game in which Fatima defeated Chillicothe 16-14 and not start the Class…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Canton softball team wins Class 1 state championship, beating Polo 4-2
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Canton softball team is back to being the undisputed best. The Tigers defeated previously undefeated Polo 4-2 Saturday in the Class 1 state championship at the Killian Softball Complex, capturing the second state title in program history. The Tigers won the state title in 2017 and have six state trophies in…
Read MoreDon’t stop believing: Canton softball team rallies to earn spot in state championship game
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Even when trailing Marion C. Early by two runs in the fifth inning of Friday’s Class 1 state semifinal, the Canton softball players showed confidence. “I thought we were gonna win it from the beginning,” sophomore shortstop Kadee Guilfoyle said. That faith was rewarded with a 3-2 victory at the Killian Softball…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Canton softball team wins Class 1 state semifinal against Marion C. Early
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Canton softball team is one victory away from winning the second state championship in program history after beating Marion C. Early 3-2 on Friday in the Class 1 state semifinals at the Killian Softball Complex. Check out this gallery of images from the Tigers’ come-from-behind victory:
Read MoreFinal four bound: Hultz, Canton keep Braymer off-balance in state quarterfinal victory
CANTON, Mo. — Canton catcher Kinsey Biggerstaff said Emma Hultz has one pitch in particular that stands out in her nasty repertoire of off-speed offerings. “It’s her changeup,” Biggerstaff said matter-of-factly. And Hultz, a junior right-hander, doesn’t disagree with her battery mate’s assessment. “The change is my No. 1 pitch,” she said with absolutely no…
Read MoreTigers exact their revenge, overwhelm Bulldogs with extra-base hits to reach state quarterfinals
LA PLATA, Mo. — Redemption and revenge came with a full-fledged offensive assault. Now, the Canton softball team sits just one victory away from a return to the final four. The Tigers capitalized on a bounty of scoring opportunities in the first three innings of Wednesday’s Class 1 sectional, building an insurmountable 11-run lead and…
Read MoreCanton softball team carries confidence, belief in itself into matchup with postseason nemesis
CANTON, Mo. — The circumstances suggested the Canton softball team was doomed. The Tigers never believed that. And when they escaped a controversial, fingernail-biting seventh inning in last Saturday’s Class 1 District 9 championship game unscathed, they embraced the belief nothing was going to stand in their way. “We definitely felt that in our huddle,”…
Read MoreCanton escapes tenuous seventh-inning jam, captures fourth straight district championship
SHELBYVILLE, Mo. — Some confusion about the rules regarding pitching circle visits put the Canton softball team in a precarious position with the season on the brink Saturday afternoon. Yet, the Tigers never flinched. With the Class 1 District 9 championship game tied at 2 in the bottom of the seventh and North Shelby having…
Read MoreThe Rundown: Cann scores hat trick, Harshberger comes up clutch, Pirates outlast Blue Devils
A busy Monday kickstarted a week that features postseason play. Here’s a look at what transpired around the area: • Leo Cann recorded his first hat trick of the season as the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer used a strong second half to dispatch pesky Macomb 4-1 on the road. Tanner Anderson scored QND’s first…
Read MoreThe Rundown: Hannibal soccer coach hits career milestone, QND settles for draw, Ritterbusch with four hits for Highland
Plenty of action across the board Thursday. Here is a look at some of the things that happened: • Hannibal boys soccer coach Eric Hill reached a milestone with the Pirates’ 3-0 North Central Missouri Conference victory at Fulton. It was his 300th career victory. Drew Porter, Colton Dryden and DaeShon Glasgow each scored for…
Read MoreLiquor Booth Play of the Game: Harshberger’s seventh-inning double lifts Cougars to victory
CANTON, Mo. — Bragging rights on the softball diamond in Lewis County were in limbo when Emma Harshberger stepped to the plate in the top of the seventh inning Monday. Canton led Highland 5-4, but the Cougars had runners at second and third with two outs after Addy Abell and Olivia Ritterbusch sandwiched a single…
Read MoreJWCC Show-Me Spotlight: Pressure to perform brings out best in Canton’s Gorrell
CANTON, Mo. — Freddie Mercury and David Bowie sang about it. Madison Gorrell embraces it. The pressure of being under pressure brings out the best in the Canton two-sport athlete, who excels at both softball and soccer. It is what is guiding her post-high school path. Gorrell plans to attend Central Methodist University to study…
Read MoreArea Distributors Area Player of the Week: Monroe City’s Audri Youngblood
MONROE CITY, Mo. — Audri Youngblood’s ability to keep the Monroe City softball team’s offense humming didn’t end with Saturday’s final game of the Monroe City Tournament at Lions Field. It carried over into Clarence Cannon Conference play. Youngblood went 2 for 3 with two doubles and two RBIs in Tuesday’s 8-2 victory over Clark…
Read MoreMonroe City fends off Canton’s seventh-inning rally to snare title of own tournament
MONROE CITY, Mo. — Audri Youngblood kept her composure and the Monroe City softball team made certain the championship of its own tournament didn’t leave the city limits. Leading Canton 6-0 in the seventh inning of the championship game Saturday night at Lions Field, the Panthers allowed a rally to be extended when an infield…
Read MoreICYMI: Arch commits to NIU, Knuffman wins playoff, Clay hits grand slam and QU makes history
QUINCY — The first full weekend of the fall sports season was filled with highlights — from verbal commitments to grand slams, from playoff victories to historic sweeps. Here is a look at what made us take notice … • Wrestling has always been a family affair for the Arches. It will continue to be…
Read MoreQND’s Cornwell earns first-team all-state, six area softball players receive second-team honors
QUINCY — Despite a shoulder injury that now has her prepping for surgery, Eryn Cornwell remained a force in the middle of the Quincy Notre Dame softball team’s lineup. Her production resulted in receiving Class 2A first-team all-state honors from the Illinois Coaches Association. QND freshman Caitlin Bunte was a second-team selection, while five area…
Read MoreSuccess on pitch, baseball diamond leads to All-WB6 honors for Blue Devils
QUINCY — To the winner go the spoils. So it’s only fitting the Quincy High School girls soccer team landed the most players of any program on the All-Western Big 6 Conference teams. The Blue Devils placed three on the first team, two on the second team and five on honorable mention after they went…
Read MoreFifth-inning outburst enables Ducks to fly past Hornets and into sectional championship game
JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Karsyn Moorman waited, then delivered. The Brown County softball team’s left-handed-hitting first baseman drilled a two-run single after Havana made a pitching change in the second inning to give the Hornets a 5-0 lead in Wednesday’s Class 1A Jacksonville Routt Sectional semifinal. The Hornets were in a position to avenge their lone…
Read MoreLiberty 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…
Read MoreFirst-inning deficit too much for QND softball team to overcome in sectional semifinal loss
ATHENS, Ill. — Only 13 pitches into the game, Quincy Notre Dame freshman hurler Caitlin Bunte found herself in a bases-loaded, nobody-out jam. Buffalo Tri-City capitalized on it. The Tornadoes erupted for six runs on five hits in the first inning, propelling them to a 13-4 victory in the Class 2A sectional softball semifinals at…
Read MoreFirst-inning onslaught propels QND softball team to Class 2A regional championship
PETERSBURG, Ill. — Heading into her first regional championship, Quincy Notre Dame freshman pitcher Caitlin Bunte admittedly was jittery. “I was really nervous,” Bunte said. “I felt pretty confident, but there were some nerves.” After recording the first two outs of the top of the first inning — the first on an amazing catch by…
Read MoreMoorman, Hornets keep magical season moving forward with regional championship
MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — As usual, Taryn Moorman was in complete control. That should not have come as a surprise, considering what she had already accomplished during her junior season as the ace of the Brown County softball team. “Taryn throws strikes,” Brown County coach David Woodruff said. “She also works quickly and never gets…
Read MoreScoreboard for Wednesday, May 18
Prep baseball At Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield, Quincy Class 2A QND Regional Quincy Notre Dame 13, Athens 3. Click here for the story and photo gallery. At Maroa, Ill. Class 2A Maroa-Forsyth Regional Williamsville 6, Pittsfield 4: A five-run third inning by the Bullets put the Saukees in a bind, and they couldn’t complete…
Read MoreLucky 13: Mustangs knock Wolves out in regional semifinals by surviving 13-inning marathon
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Don’t worry about Brooklynn Howell being ready to pitch come Saturday. Fortunately, the Unity sophomore right-hander will have a couple of days to recover from what was a marvelous — albeit taxing — effort Wednesday afternoon at Central High School. Howell pitched the seventh-seeded Unity softball team to a 4-0, 13-inning…
Read MoreEagles fend off Panthers’ late-inning rally, earn spot in regional championship game
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Jade Blair’s hair was a bit frazzled, and her eyes carried a look that her check-engine light was probably blinking. Still, the Liberty right-hander was able to gather her wits, weather a couple of late-inning storms and pitch the Eagles past Central 5-4 in the Class 1A Central Regional softball semifinals…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Pritchard captures softball action from Class 1A Central Regional
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Photographer Mike Pritchard found himself behind the lens of his camera for two epic softball games Wednesday in the Class 1A Central Regional with seventh-seeded Unity upsetting second-seeded Pleasant Hill 4-0 in a 13-inning marathon and fifth-seeded Liberty outlasting third-seeded Central 5-4. Here is a gallery of images Pritchard captured from…
Read MoreScoreboard for Tuesday, May 17
Girls soccer At Advance Physical Therapy Field, Quincy Class 1A QND Sectional Quincy Notre Dame 6, Piasa Southwestern 0. Click here for the story. At Kahok Stadium, Collinsville, Ill. Class 3A Collinsville Regional Edwardsville 1, Quincy High School 0. Click here for the story. At St. Peters, Mo. Class 3 District 4 Duchesne 3, Hannibal…
Read MoreQND softball team overcomes error-riddled effort to advance to regional title tilt
PETERSBURG, Ill. — Uncharacteristic lapses defensively didn’t cost the Quincy Notre Dame softball team a spot in the regional championship game, but it gives the Raiders a focal point to address in the coming days. Top-seeded QND committed seven errors, although none of them resulted in runs, and scratched across enough runs Tuesday to beat…
Read MoreScoreboard for Monday, May 16
Prep baseball At Wentzville, Mo. Class 5 District 4 Hannibal 6, North Point 1: Pirates right-hander Aaris Stolte fashioned a five-hitter, allowing just one unearned run as fourth-seeded Hannibal advanced to the district semifinals. The Pirates (19-11) will face top-seeded Fort Zumwalt East at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Stolte struck out three and walked three. He…
Read MoreFischer’s limitless amount of energy provides QND softball team with injection of life
QUINCY — Eryn Cornwell’s focus and concentration when she’s in the pitcher’s circle often robs her of the chance to appreciate Lindsey Fischer’s exuberance. Playing third base provides Cornwell an entirely different view of the show. “I kind of like playing third because I can sit there and watch Lindsey do her thing,” Cornwell said.…
Read MoreFeeling rejuvenated: QND softball team plays with energy, better execution heading into postseason
QUINCY — Fifteen hours didn’t change much. Friday night at the Backyard, the Pearl City softball team jumped on Quincy Notre Dame by scoring twice in the top of the first inning in what became a 7-2 victory. Saturday morning, the Wolves struck for two runs in the top of the first again. “There’s a…
Read MoreRaiders unable to put together two comebacks, fall to Wolves to start competitive weekend
QUINCY — The first comeback showcased the Quincy Notre Dame softball team’s resiliency. The second rally never materialized. Facing Pearl City on Friday night at the Backyard, the Raiders answered the Wolves’ two-run top of the first inning with a pair of runs in the bottom of the inning. They couldn’t do the same when…
Read MoreScoreboard for Wednesday, May 11
Prep baseball At Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield, Quincy Quincy Notre Dame 12, Gateway Legacy Christian Academy 2. Click here for the story. At QHS field, Quincy Quincy High School 9, Unity 0: Junior right-hander Joe Schroeder fashioned a one-hitter, while striking out nine and walking one. The Mustangs loaded the bases in the second…
Read MoreRaiders capitalize on scoring opportunities in fifth inning to capture WCC championship
QUINCY — A pitchers’ duel with the West Central Conference softball championship on the line tilted in Quincy Notre Dame’s favor in the fifth inning Wednesday. The first five batters in the bottom of the frame reached base safely, leading to a three-run outburst that carried the Raiders to a 4-0 victory over Central at…
Read More‘Major League’ speed: Hernandez-Jones’ journey around bases in seventh inning allows Raiders to beat Blue Devils
QUINCY — Eric Orne’s knowledge of sports films came in handy Monday evening. The veteran Quincy Notre Dame softball coach matter-of-factly referenced Raiders left fielder Laela Hernandez-Jones to the fictional Willie Mays Hayes in the classic 1989 baseball movie “Major League.” “Laela is our fastest player, just like Willie Mays Hayes,” Orne said. “She got…
Read MoreScoreboard for Saturday, May 7
Girls soccer At Jefferson City, Mo. Quincy High School 5, Jefferson City Helias 0: Sophomore forward Taylor Routh and freshman midfielder Sydney Welsh each scored two goals as the Blue Devils closed the regular season with a victory. Mariah Crist also scored a goal for QHS, which is 12-6-1 overall heading into the Class 3A…
Read MorePleasant Hill makes statement by taking two games from top competition in softball cluster
QUINCY — The message came through loud and clear. Whichever prep softball team wins the Class 1A Jacksonville Routt Sectional is going to have to earn it. Pleasant Hill took a pair of games from top competition at the QND Cluster, outlasting Central 6-5 after stymieing the Panthers’ rally from a six-run deficit and then…
Read MoreScoreboard for Tuesday, May 3
Girls soccer At Rock Island, Ill. Quincy High School 4, Rock Island 1: The Blue Devils snared the lead on Rian Moore’s goal with 11 minutes remaining in the first half and built a four-goal advantage in the second half to finish the Western Big 6 Conference season with a 7-0 record. Taylor Routh, who…
Read MoreScoreboard for Monday, May 2
Girls soccer At Springfield, Ill. Quincy Notre Dame 1, Springfield 0: The Raiders rebounded from a pair of losses in a tournament in Burlington, Iowa, last Saturday with a stingy defensive effort against the Senators. QND grabbed the lead with less than eight minutes remaining in the first half as freshman Makalya Patton ran onto…
Read MoreMarquette quiets QND’s offense, leaves Raiders looking to find momentum before postseason
QUINCY — All the distractions that come with the calendar rolling over from April to May — things like prom, graduation and college commitments — are being magnified by the fact the weather is making it difficult for prep baseball and softball teams to find their rhythm. The opportunity to build postseason momentum is dwindling,…
Read MoreScoreboard for Thursday, April 28
Girls soccer At Burlington, Iowa Quincy High School 1, Olathe (Kan.) North 1: Blue Devils goalkeeper Taylor Fohey saved a penalty kick in the first half to help QHS forge a tie in the first of three games in the tournament. Bri Lannerd scored off a Rian Moore assist for the Blue Devils’ goal. Quincy…
Read MoreCornwell’s milestone home run puts cap on Raiders’ five-inning victory over Titans
QUINCY — A walk-off and a milestone. Not a bad way for Eryn Cornwell to end her day. The Quincy Notre Dame senior softball standout followed Caitlin Bunte’s leadoff single in the fifth inning Wednesday with a two-run home run to left field at the Backyard, finishing off a 12-1 victory over West Hancock and…
Read MoreArea scoreboard for Monday, April
Prep softball At QHS field, Quincy Quincy Notre Dame 14, Quincy High School 2. Click here for the story and photos. At Greenfield, Ill. Brown County 14, Greenfield 0: Taryn Moorman tossed a three-hit shutout as the Hornets rolled to another Western Illinois Valley Conference victory. She struck out nine and walked none. The Hornets…
Read MoreSlap happy: Schertel’s ability to get on base gives Raiders edge in victory over Blue Devils
QUINCY — Haley Schertel was not always a slapper. “In eighth grade, (the Quincy Notre Dame softball coaching staff) switched me from being a right-handed hitter to a (left-handed) slapper,” Schertel said. The rest, as they say, is history. Schertel’s development as a slapper was in full view Monday evening at Quincy High School when…
Read MorePrep scoreboard for Saturday, April 23
Prep baseball At Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield, Quincy Quincy Notre Dame 7, Quincy High School 0. Click here for the story. At Dozer Park, Peoria, Ill. Brown County 3, Streator Woodland 1: Sam Carr allowed one unearned run and two hits as the Hornets made an early lead last. Will Groesch had an RBI…
Read MoreScoreboard for Thursday, April 21
Girls soccer At Jacksonville, Ill. Chatham Glenwood 3, Quincy High School 0: The Titans scored three second-half goals to win the non-conference game at Illinois College. A ball bouncing off the far post ricocheted directly to Glenwood attacker, leading to the first goal with 25 minutes remaining. The Titans scored all three goals in a…
Read MorePrep scoreboard for Tuesday, April 19
Girls soccer At Flinn Stadium, Quincy Quincy High School 2, Geneseo 1. Click here for the story and photo gallery. At Canton, Mo. Canton 5, Keokuk 3: Macie Fisher and Emilee Gorrell each scored twice and Kielyn Ott added the other goal for the Tigers. Prep baseball At Concord, Ill. Brown County 14, Triopia 4:…
Read MoreScoreboard for Monday, April 18
Prep baseball At Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield, Quincy Quincy Notre Dame 1, Pittsfield 0. Click here for the story. At Dozer Park, Peoria, Ill. Southeastern 7, Central 2: The Suns scored twice in the first inning, then plated two runs in both the fifth and sixth innings to snare the victory. Owen Rigg scored…
Read MorePrep roundup for Saturday, April 16
Prep baseball At East Moline, Ill. United Township 2, Quincy High School 1: A one-out single and a hit batter gave the Panthers the opportunity to score in the bottom of the seventh, and a ground ball the Blue Devils couldn’t turn into a double play saddled them with the loss in the opener of…
Read MoreScoreboard for Friday, April 15
Prep baseball At Mendon, Ill. Unity 7, Southeastern 6: The Mustangs’ Aidan Obert belted a three-run walk-off home run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Unity trailed 5-1 heading into the sixth when it put together a three-run rally, featuring a two-run single from Maynard. After the Suns scored once in…
Read MoreScoreboard for Tuesday, April 12
Girls soccer At Sterling, Ill. Quincy High School 10, Sterling 0: The Blue Devils stayed undefeated in the Western Big 6 Conference with the whitewashing of the Golden Warriors. Bri Lannerd scored two goals and added three assists for the Blue Devils, while Taylor Routh had two goals and Rian Moore added three assists. Freshman…
Read MoreScoreboard for Monday, April 11
Prep baseball At Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield, Quincy Quincy Notre Dame 14, Rushville-Industry 4: The Raiders used back-to-back four-run innings to break a 3-3 tie and secure the six-inning victory. After allowing the Rockets to tie the game in the top of the third, the Raiders loaded the bases with two outs in the…
Read MorePrep scoreboard for Saturday, April 9
Prep track At Soule Bowl, East Moline, Ill. Kiwanis Invitational: Jettason Rose and the Quincy High School boys showcased their speed in an event featuring all of the Western Big 6 Conference teams. Rose set a personal record and broke the school record in the 100-meter dash in 10.74 seconds, which tied the meet record…
Read MoreJWCC Prairie State Profile: Mustangs’ Schaffnit puts heart and soul into community service
MENDON, Ill. — Annabelle Schaffnit started to be apologetic for her answer. What the Unity senior softball player didn’t realize in the moment was how much her answer resonated. After chatting a little about the Mustangs and their ongoing season, Schaffnit was asked about how much her life revolves around sports. “I’ll be honest,” she…
Read MoreScoreboard for Thursday, April 7
Prep baseball At Winchester, Ill. Brown County 20, Winchester West Central 0: Twice the Hornets hit back-to-back home runs as they steamrolled the Cougars in Western Illinois Valley Conference action. Brown County scored 16 runs in the first inning as the first eight batters reached safely. Gabe Blakeley hit a two-run home run and Mason…
Read MoreScoreboard for Wednesday, April 6
Prep baseball At Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield, Quincy Quincy Notre Dame 6, Hannibal 2: A change in venue didn’t slow the Raiders. Field conditions forced the game, which was to played at the Pirates’ Veterans Field, to be moved to the Illinois side of the river and Hannibal took advantage by scoring twice in…
Read MoreLaw-abiding outcome: Hornets score three times in ninth inning to hand Raiders first loss
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame softball team fought the Law and the Law won. With two outs in the top of the ninth inning Wednesday and Brown County having already scored once in the frame to take the lead, the Raiders chose to intentionally walk Karsyn Moorman after a passed ball allowed both runners…
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