Providence Softball Loses 2-1 in State Semis

's softball team made history this season, making the state playoffs for the first time. And despite another strong outing Friday morning, it wasn't enough against a team that had already been there. 

Marengo High School, the defending state softball champions, defeated Providence 2-1 in eight innings during the Class 3A state semifinals. 

Neither team was able to get much offensively, but in the bottom of the eighth inning and only one out, Marengo senior Reed Karsten sat at third base. Providence catcher Ellie Bartosz tried to pick her off, but the ball sailed into left field, bringing home Karsten for the winning run. 

Lindsay Melson got the win for Marengo, pitching a complete game with 11 strikeouts. Her only run allowed came in the third inning, when junior Amanda Wilson hit an RBI double to put Providence ahead 1-0. 

See the full box score on IHSA.org. 

Providence senior Allie Strick pitched four solid innings but came out after putting on the first two runners of the fifth inning. Wilson came in for her and gave up an RBI double to Karsten to tie the game, 1-1. 

The Celtics had scoring opportunities the entire day but stranded 13 runners, including a bases-loaded chance in the fifth inning. 

Providence will play in the state third-place game at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in East Peoria against the loser of Mattoon vs. Glenbard South. Marengo seeks its second straight championship against the winner of that matchup. The games will be broadcast live on IHSA.tv. 

Providence Playoff Run

• Regional semifinals (at Lemont): Won 10-0 vs. Lincoln-Way West
• Regional championsip (at Lemont): Won 12-5 vs. Lemont
• Sectional semifinals (at Providence): Won 2-1 vs. Tinley Park
• Sectional championship (at Providence): Won 5-4 vs. Oak Forest
• Supersectionals (at Seneca): Won 4-3 (8 innings) vs. Geneseo
• State semifinals (at East Peoria): Lost 2-1 (8 innings) vs. Marengo
• State third place (at East Peoria): 9:30 a.m. Saturday vs. loser of Mattoon/Glenbard South. 

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