Regionals are over and the Jr. Lady Rockets softball team is off to state. In the first game of regionals, the Lady Rockets took on Smithton. The game started off slow for the Lady Rockets, down 6-1 in the top of the 4th inning, but the girls were not done. In the bottom of the fourth, they rallied together 6 runs to take the lead. The Lady Rockets took the win, with a final score of 11-8. The win sent the rockets to the regional championship game where they were set to take on Dupo. Off to a slow start once again, the Lady Rockets were down 6-2 in the 2nd inning. However, they rallied in the 4th and the 5th to take the lead. In the top of the 7th inning, the score was 10-7, runners on first and second, and 2 outs.  With the count 2-2 at the plate, seventh-grade pitcher Taylor Hettenhausen received her sign and threw the final strike. Taylor strikes out the batter and the Jr. Lady Rockets are headed to state.

After the game, the girls received their regional championship trophy and headed back to town, where they were escorted by fire trucks. I interviewed Taylor Hettenhausen, asking “What was the best part of winning?” She replied, “The best part was obviously winning, but also when we came back. That was exciting! We did what we were meant to do and no one got down on themselves.” I also interviewed Adysen Harre and asked, “What is some advice for your teammates at the state game?” She answered, “I would tell my teammates to stay positive and play like it’s our last game.” The Lady Rockets will play Pinckneyville Saturday, September 29th at 9:30.