February 13, 2025
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Logan captures regional title

By Kevin Hieronymus

Princeton Logan Junior High captured the IESA 3A regional softball championship, defeating Joy Mercer County 13-0 Saturday at Malden. Team members are (front row, from left to right) Addie Hecht (coach), Camryn Driscoll, Izzy Gibson, Reese Reviglio, Kelsea Klingenberg, Caroline Keutzer and Katelynn Hartmann; (middle row) McKenzie Hecht (coach), Katie Bates (coach), Avah Oertel (manager), Slyvie Rutledge, Sophie Alt, Makayla Hecht, Ellie Harp, Samantha Woolley, Kamryn Patterson, Mia Buccini, Maddie Gibson (manager) and Elizabeth Klingenberg (coach); and (back row) coaches Joe Bates, Kevin Alt and Jason Hecht. (Photo contributed)

Princeton Logan Junior High had two losses this season, both coming to Kewanee and Joy Mercer County on the same day in tournament play.

The Lady Lions avenged both losses along the way to capture the IESA 3A regional softball championship.

Logan beat Mercer County 13-0 in Saturday's finals at Malden and Kewanee 5-4 in the regional semifinals.

"We lost to Mercer County earlier in the year 22-10, and the girls didn't forget that," Logan coach Kevin Alt said. "They were ready to show that this team was much better than that. The only disappointing thing is that the season is over. However, no better way to finish than to finish as regional champs."

It is Logan’s second regional championship in four years. Due to the pandemic the postseason ends and there will be no sectional.

Sophie Alt and Makayla Hecht led Logan with two hits and three RBIs apiece.

Samantha Woolley also had two hits with a RBI while Camryn Driscoll and Ellie Harp (RBI) had one hit apiece.

Alt pitched a 3-hit shutout over five innings, striking out nine and walking one.

"The girls showed up ready to play. Looked loose and relaxed during warmups. From first pitch they really set the tone for the game," Alt said. "Sophie was great on the mound, and the whole team had her back offensively and defensively."

At Manlius: Bureau Valley also played for a regional championship Saturday, falling to Cambridge 9-7 in nine innings in a 2A finale. It was the Storm's first loss of the season, finishing 10-1-1.