SCC Blackhawk Softball swept Indian Hills in the best of 3 series in the semifinal round of the Region 11 Division 1 Softball Championship. They won 4-2 in the first game and 12-5 in the second to advance to the championship round to be played at Iowa Western CC.

A strong wind blew from the west all day and kept the ball in play, but in the second game the ball flew over the fences for the Blackhawks. Especially for Logan Kelley (West Burlington) who connected on three home runs.

"It was fun. It felt nice," said Kelly. "I just tried to keep my energy up for my teammates."

In the first game Indian Hills jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning and SCC answered with 2 runs in the 2nd inning. It was a stalemate until the bottom of the 6th when Jamiee Bolduc (New Lenox, Ill.) smashed a 2-run shot over left center field. SCC held on for the 4-2 win.

In the second game SCC led off the bottom of the first with a solo shot by Kelley to take 1-0 lead and added 2 more runs to lead 3-0. Kelley did it again in the bottom of the 2nd with a 2-run homer to extend the lead to 5-0 and SCC added another run to make it 6-0.

Indian Hills responded with 4 runs in the 3rd and then in the 4th SCC's Anna Woods (Grabill, Ind.) hit a solo shot and Jeilane Stewart (Dalles, Ore.) hit a 3 run homer for a 10-4 lead.

In the sixth Kelley hit her 3rd home run for the game and cushioned the lead to 12-5, which was the final score.

Defense was key in both wins and shortstop Makenzie Sweeney (Yorkville, Ill.) and centerfielder Lydia Zaruba (Grimes) made a couple key catches to end innings.

"Congratulations, I'm proud of you,"
said coach Kevin Kaalberg.

SCC advances to play at Iowa Western for the Region 11 Championship in a best of 3 series on May 10 and 11. The first two games are Noon and 2pm on Sunday and if necessary the third game is 2pm Monday. Winner advances to Midwest District Championship series vs. Region 16.

Article courtesy of John Gaines