Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
CARBONDALE – The Trico Pioneers are headed to the Johnston City 1A Softball Supersectional for the second time in three years after beating Goreville 2-0 in the championship game of the Goreville Sectional, which was moved to Carbondale due to wet fields.
This marked the third straight year the Black Diamond West rivale have met in the sectional title game, with the teams splitting the two previous meetings
Pioneers senior pitcher Josie Wettig struck out nine on her way to a five-hit shutout.
Trico’s offense meanwhile struggled against Goreville starter Abby Compton. Compton, who was pressed into pitching due to injury, allowed only a pair of third inning runs, with one run scoring on a passed ball and the other on a sacrifice fly from Mia Jimenez.
The Pioneers improve to 24-5 and will face Windsor/Stew-Stras Monday at 10:00 in Johnston City, as they will try to earn their first trip to state since 2016.
Goreville finishes the season 16-18.
