Rockridge advances to Class 2A state softball finals

PEORIA - The Rockridge Rockets softball team will play for a repeat state championship.

The Rockets defeated Pontiac 5-3 in Friday’s Class 2A State Semifinals at the Louisville Slugger Complex in Peoria. The Rockets (34-0) will face Freeburg (33-1) in Saturday’s championship game at 3:30 p.m.

Freeburg blasted Tolono Unity 9-0 on Friday.

The Marquette baseball and Newark softball teams fell in state semifinal play Friday in Peoria.

The Crusaders dropped a 2-1 contest to Mt. Sterling Brown County at Dozer Park in downtown Peoria. The Crusaders (31-4) will face LeRoy for third place at 9 a.m. Saturday with Brown County (27-4) meeting Louisville North Clay 11:30 a.m. in the title game.

Across town, Newark was knocked out by Glasford Illini Bluffs 8-3 at the Louisville Slugger Complex. The Norsemen (31-4-1) will meet Forreston (22-5) for third place at 9 a.m. Saturday with Illini Bluffs (18-2) drawing perennial powerhouse Casey-Westfield (38-1) at 11:30 a.m. for the title.