Lady Hubs held to four hits in 13-0 loss Wednesday

SYCAMORE — The Rochelle Lady Hub varsity softball team faced Freeport in the IHSA 3A Sycamore Regional Semifinals on Wednesday, falling 13-0 to finish the season with a 5-21 overall record as well as a 2-12 record in the Interstate 8 Conference. Senior Morgan Smardo went 2-for-2 with two singles as well as six strikeouts over four innings pitched in the loss.

Freeport took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, where Quinn Krzeminski slapped a two-run single to bring home Diem Beach and Kailen Pro, who reached base on a walk and a single earlier in the frame. The third-seeded Pretzels added three runs in the bottom of the second inning, with Jaynah Palmer and KK Walker-Castle each drawing walks before scoring on a wild pitch and an error. Jamaya Graham’s RBI groundout capped off the three-run frame.

Rochelle saw three batters reach base over the first two innings, but the sixth-seeded Lady Hubs were unable to take advantage. Freeport broke the game open in the bottom of the third inning, tallying seven runs on three hits, three walks and three defensive errors from Rochelle. Errors allowed four Pretzel hitters to score, while Graham added an RBI single and Cameren Plowman followed with an RBI triple. Pro’s solo home run in the fourth inning sealed the win.