Area Roundup: Newark softball victorious, Marquette softball defeated to open season

At Newark, the host Newark Norsemen (1-0) opened the softball season with a 14-run home half of the first inning to defeat the Lisle Lions, 19-0, in three innings.

Kaitlyn Schofield (3 IP, 0 R, 8 K) pitched the abbreviated one-hit shutout, also hitting a solo homer run to help her own cause. Danica Peshia (three RBIs) and Ryan Williams (two RBIs) also homered for Newark, which also received three RBIs courtesy of Taylor Kruser. KJ Friestad added two RBIs.

Lexington 11, Marquette 1 (6 inn.): At Lexington in the season opener for both teams, the visiting Crusaders scored in the top of the first but couldn’t get much else going against Minutemen pitcher Grace Getty (6 IP, 1 ER, 3 K), with Lindsey Kaufmann (double, run scored), Emma Rinearson and Kaylee Killelea (RBI) providing one hit each to account for Marquette’s only three safeties.

Kaufmann (3 IP, 5 ER, 3 K) suffered the pitching loss, with Maisie Lyons (2 IP, 0 R, 3 K) working two scoreless innings.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Area trio named IBCA Special Mention: The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association on Monday formally released its all-state teams for the 2021-22 season.

In Class 3A, both Ottawa senior guard Luke Cushing and Streator senior post Jack Haynes were named to the IBCA Special Mention list.

In Class 2A, Seneca senior sharpshooter Zach Pfeifer was given IBCA Special Mention.

In Class 1A, St. Bede senior Paul Hart was selected to the IBCA Second Team.