By Fred Kroner
The Spartans started postseason play on Thursday (June 3) by thumping Georgetown-Ridge Farm, 16-1, in a Class 2A regional semifinal game in St. Joseph.
Leading the offense were Kaylee Ward (six RBI) and Alyssa Acton (four RBI). Ward and Acton each slugged home runs. Ward ended the day going 4-for-4 at the plate. She also had two doubles.
Teammates with two hits were Kennedy Hudson and Peyton Jones.
Maggie Ward had a perfect game through three innings and earned the win.
On Friday (June 4), the Spartans’ season ended with an 8-2 loss against second-seeded Tolono Unity in the Class 2A regional championship game.
Shayne Immke’s team-leading 17th home run of the season was the SJ-O’s offensive highlight.
Maggie Ward suffered the loss.
SJ-O closes the season with a final record of 27-8. Unity (22-2) had reached the finals with a 1-0 triumph over Westville in the semifinals.
When Unity and SJ-O met in the regular season, the Spartans prevailed, 11-9.
Immke was one of eight SJ-O players to hit at least two home runs during the season. The team’s other long-ball leaders were Acton (7), Addy Martinie (7), Kaylee Ward (6), Kennedy Hudson (3), Kelsey Martlage (3), Jones (2) and Maggie Ward (2).
The pitching leaders, besides Maggie Ward (15-5) were Acton (7-1) and Sophia Martlage (5-2).
The SJ-O seniors were Sophia Martlage, Audrey Short and Kaylee Ward.
