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STERLING, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — Dakota’s softball team is heading back to Peoria for another shot to compete for a 1A IHSA state championship. The Indians defeated Biggsville West Central 6-5 Monday to win the Sterling Super-Sectional. Biggsville West Central was ranked second in the state in 1A.
Dakota trailed 3-0 going into the bottom of the fifth inning. West Central pitcher Miley Stimpson was in complete control. She had just struck out the side in the fifth inning, but in the sixth inning the game turned on a dime. Dakota struck for six runs.
Bella Keyes, Hailey Kerchner and Dawson Lawler combined to drive in the first four runs. Two more Dakota runners then scored on an error.
Up 6-3 going into the top of the seventh, Dakota looked to ace pitcher AJ Howarth to nail down the win. West Central battled, putting two runners across the plate to make it a 6-5 game, but Howarth was able to get the final out on a fly ball to center field which led to a celebration in the circle by Dakota’s players.
Dakota’s record is now 29-4. The Indians will play in the state semifinals Thursday at 10 a.m. against Okawville which has a record of 24-6. That game will be played in Peoria at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex.
Watch the media player for highlights and Dakota postgame from this game.
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