CPU outlasts Monticello in back-and-forth 3A softball regional quarterfinal

CENTER POINT — It was neither clean nor crisp in the late innings.

But Thursday’s Class 3A softball regional quarterfinal didn’t lack for drama.

Gracie Hoskins’ seventh-inning ground ball turned into a two-run error, and Center Point-Urbana outlasted Monticello, 4-3, at the Bowers Sports Complex.

“I heard my coach yelling, so I knew at least one run scored,” Hoskins said. “I had no idea we got the second.”

A scoreless game through four innings, it eventually became somewhat unhinged. The teams combined for five errors in the final three innings, and only one of the seven runs was earned.

That was a sixth-inning home run by Mya Hillers that put the Stormin’ Pointers (15-18) in front, 2-1.

“I visualized that the inning before,” Hillers said. “I really wanted to win and give the seniors one last win on their home field.”

CPU advances to face No. 4 Mount Vernon (30-11) in a regional semifinal at 7 p.m. Saturday at Mount Vernon.

Before you utter “mismatch,” remember the Stormin’ Pointers managed a split with the Mustangs earlier this season.

“It’s going to be tough,” Hillers said. “They’re a great team. It will be a great battle.”

CPU was an out away from victory in the top of the seventh, but back-to-back infield errors kept Monticello (11-22) alive, then Lauren Verhagen’s infield single put the Panthers in front, 3-2.

Verhagen was 4-for-4.

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In the bottom of the seventh, Ella Simon and Hillers rapped back-to-back singles with one out, then Sophie Simon’s walk loaded the bases.

Up stepped Hoskins, who made the winning contact.

“I wasn’t very confident,” she said. “I took a lot of deep breaths. I knew I had to get the ball in play.

“Coach (Kendra Wolff) said, ‘Are you ready to do this?’ I said, ‘I’m ready.’”

The Stormin’ Pointers’ catcher, Hoskins threw out a pair of would-be base-stealers in the first two innings.

An error put CPU in front, 1-0, in the bottom of the fifth inning, then the Stormin’ Pointers returned the favor in the top of the sixth, two batters after Verhagen’s two-out double.

CPU swept Monticello in a doubleheader Monday. But this time, the Panthers took the Stormin’ Pointers to the wire.

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Photos: Monticello at Center Point-Urbana in regional softball quarterfinals

Center Point-Urbana 4, Monticello 3

Class 3A Regional Quarterfinal, at Center Point

Monticello 000 001 2 — 3 6 2

Center Point-Urbana 000 011 2 — 4 7 3

Jordan Fangmann and Lauren Verhagen. Mya Hillers and Gracie Hoskins. W — Hillers (8-6). L — Fangmann (9-14). HR — CPU: Hillers (6).

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com