Rockridge (34-1) defeated Mercer County (26-8) 6-1 Tuesday in the semifinals of the IHSA 2A Rockridge Sectional.
Payton Brown hit a lead-off home run, her IHSA record 26th of the season, to spark a four run first inning for the Rockets. Kendra Lewis, Mikaylin Hofer, Kori Needham and Cierra Bush (2) also drove in runs for Rockridge.
Mercer County’s lone run came on an RBI double from Hallie Schreurs in the top of the fourth inning.
Kendra Lewis (21-0) was the winning pitcher for Rockridge after allowing one run on four hits in seven innings. Lewis struck out 9 batters and is now 59-0 in her career at Rockridge.
Elsie Cook (17-5) took the loss for the Golden Eagles. Cook allowed three earned runs in five innings.
Rockridge advances to the sectional championship game Friday, where the Rockets will face either Tremont or Riverdale.