Rockridge carries Three Rivers torch to state

The undefeated Rockridge softball team is seeking its second state championship in four years.

The Rockets (27-0) defeated Massac County 1-0 in today’s Class 2A State Semifinals at the Lousville Slugger Complex in Peoria.

Rockridge will face Joliet Catholic (23-8) at 5 p.m. today for the state championship. Rockridge won state in 2005 and 2018, finishing third in 2016 and 2019.

Joliet Catholic beat Tolono Unity (25-2) in today’s other semifinals. The Angels knocked out another Three Rivers’ team, Riverdale, 1-0 in Monday’s super-sectional.

In today’s 1A semifinals, Glasford Illini Bluffs (16-1) beat Orangeville (18-2) 6-3 and Effingham St. Anthony (21-8) beat the Arthur co-op (23-3) 4-0.

Today’s 1A finals will start at 1:30 p.m for third place and 2 p.m. for first.

Baseball

The IHSA State Baseball Finals are being played at three sights this year, also in a one-day format.

The 1A (Thursday) and 2A (Friday) finals will be held at Illinois State University’s Duffy Baseball Field in Normal.

The 3A State Tournament will be held Thursday at the Schaumburg Boomers Field with 4A being held at the home of the Joliet Slammers on Friday.

Little Ten Conference champ Newark (26-1) will meet Glen Carbon Father McGunney (30-6) in the Class 1A State semifinals at 10 a.m. Newark, which makes its first state appearance, knocked out Newman 5-3 in Monday’s Rockford Super-Sectional.

Other finalists are Mt. Pulaski (21-1) and Farina South Central (24-3), who meet at 1 p.m.