Russell Conwell for River Radio Sports Central
PINCKNEYVILLE — Carterville and Mt. Carmel collected 2A softball sectional semifinal wins at Greg Hale Field in Pinckneyville, setting up Friday’s championship game.
In the first semifinal, Caidence Phillips struck out 11 and became Carterville High School’s all-time strikeout leader as the Lady Lions blanked Pinckneyville 9-0. Phillips, now at 947 career strikeouts, was backed by two-run home runs from Emilyn Ford and Addyson Wright. Phillips also went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI’s
In the second semi, Leah Lewis hit a two run homer and Lyla Keepes went the distance as Mt. Carmel edged Anna-Jonesboro 2-1. Keepes allowed just two hits while striking out five. A leaping catch by center fielder Tensley Dunlap in the fifth inning preserved the win, robbing Kansas Craig of what would have been the go-ahead blast.
Carterville and Mt. Carmel will Friday at 4:30 p.m. at the Perry County Fairgrounds in Pinckneyville. The winner will advance to the SIU 2A Supersectional Monday night.
