SOFTBALL: Trico tops PJHS in eight-inning Regional final

Trico's Katie Gale made the Junior Lady Panthers pay for the decision to pitch to her in the bottom of the eight inning of Friday's Regional championship softball matchup, as the Pioneers scored three times after giving up two runs in the top half of the extra frame to win 8-7.

Gale, who had already showcased some power in the game by sending a few balls deep to the outfield, smacked a walk-off double to right field for her third hit of the day with two runners on, one out, and first base empty.

Pinckneyville had put themselves in good position to win the game with a pair of runs in the top of the eighth when Staci Harsy and Sophia Kelly notched RBI hits, but couldn't hang on.

A dropped third strike with two outs in the fifth inning also allowed two Trico runs to score that ultimately made a difference in the game's outcome.

Through seven innings, PJHS pitcher Hallie Waggoner didn't allow an earned run. She ended the day with seven hits and five walks allowed with six strikeouts.

Harsy (2-5), Kelly (3-5), Haliegh Kling (2-3, 2 BB), Laynee Bebout (1-4, BB), Kelly Mayo (1-4), Deja Jenkel (2-4) and Brianne Lacy (2-3, BB) each had hits for the Junior Panthers.