Carterville (37-1) defeated Rockridge (31-4-1) in 1o innings Friday, 1-0, to advance to the IHSA Class 2A softball state championship game.
The Lions broke a scoreless tie with a two-out RBI single from Kennedy Rushing in the top of the tenth inning. In the bottom of the tenth, Rockridge had two straight batters reach with two outs to put runners at first and third base. Baylee Kelly drew a ten-pitch walk and Kaycee Price served a single to right field. Carterville made a pitching change and brought in Taryn Ford, who struck out Charley Perkins to end the game.
Caidence Phillips (20-1) took the win for the Lions in the pitchers circle, throwing 9.2 scoreless innings on four hits with 15 strikeouts. This marked the 25th time the Lions have shutout an opponent this season.
Kendra Lewis (22-4) was tagged for the loss after giving up one run in 10 innings on five hits.
The loss snapped Rockridge’s IHSA record 27-game postseason winning streak and stopped the Rockets two wins shy of becoming the first team in state history to win four consecutive softball state championships.
The Rockets will play Auburn (27-8-1) in Saturday’s third place game, while Carterville will take on North Boone (29-4) for the state title. North Boone beat Auburn Friday, 2-0.
Rockridge head coach Scott Durbin