'Just one win away.' Local baseball, softball teams prepare for state quarterfinal games
PEORIA, Illinois (WMBD) – Monday marks the small school baseball state quarterfinals. The Eureka Hornets one away from their goal of a trip to the 2A Final Four.
They've been so very close to getting back to the state tournament since their last trip in 2013. But this may be the year they end the streak.
The Hornets have already racked up 33 wins this season, but they know the biggest would be Monday night.
One win away from state, it's everything I wanted. I mean that one win we're going to get that on Monday at Geneseo. So looking forward to that. We're always prepared for every game, practice, anything. We're always ready.
Andrew Zimmerman
This is a good feeling. I mean, we've had so many chances the last ten years to get to this moment and get a chance to move on to a super again since 2013. It's a good feeling
Dane Wear
Eureka battles Wilmington in Geneseo. First pitch set for 6 p.m.
In 1A, Lexington can punch their first ticket to state in a quarter century win a win on Monday. They last reached the state final four when they won a championship in 1990.
The Minutemen offense exploded Saturday in their sectional title victory over Heyworth; 11 runs plated against the Hornets.
They're a team full of confidence and also a tight-knit family.
Amazing team, as all I can say is I'm so great. I'm so grateful to be here being with these people. I feel closer to these guys than like they're like my brother. One more game to state. That's all I got to say.
Braedan Barber
We're not done, though. We got a lot more to improve on one game at a time. I think it's three more games for the whole thing. But we're we're excited, but we're not satisfied
Kayden Knight
Lexington plays Caitlin Salt Fork at 6:00 at Illinois Wesleyan.
It's also a loaded Monday for Central Illinois softball. Four teams competing in the 1A and 2A state quarterfinals; one of them being the Brimfield Indians.
It's been 10 years since their last trip to the Final Four, when they the 1A state title in 2015.
Now in class 2A, they've been determined all season long to get back to Louisville Slugger in Peoria.
Monday will be a business trip for Brimfield.
Our expectations were high from the beginning of the season. You know, we're at least making it to state. So I think everyone knows our expectations and our goals and what we need to do to get there. And so if we keep doing what we're doing, I think we have potential
Sawyer Drury
Brimfield faces Beecher at 4:30 in East Peoria.
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