ICC Softball Cougars vs. Snappers

Ian Weber 

Sept 21, 2022 

The Spoon River Snappers traveled to Thome Fields to face off against the Illinois Central College (ICC) Cougars softball team. The Snappers edged the Cougars out in a tight 5-4 game. The Cougar offense was led by Marley Williamson (2-4 double), Olivia Drish (2-4 double), and Kiersten Manning (2-3 double, HR). 

The battle for a score for either team held the 0-0 status until the fourth inning, when the Cougars took a 2-0 lead in the bottom.  The Cougars held a good offense during the fourth inning. They added another run in the fifth inning, scoring 3-0. 

Defensively the Cougars were led by pitcher Manning. Manning started the game pitching, moving to first base, then finishing the game on the mound. Manning ended her pitching performance with 8 strikeouts, 2 walks, and allowing only 3 hits. She threw five complete innings. 

Coming in relief for Manning was freshman pitcher Bridget Gilroy. Gilroy threw a one, two, and a three in the sixth inning, striking out two of the three batters she faced. Gilroy pitched 7 hits and three earned runs in the seventh inning.

The Snappers went on to score five runs in the seventh inning. The Cougars attempted to mount a comeback in the bottom, including a solo home run by Manning. Following Manning’s two-out home run. The Cougars would fall short 5-4.

Leading the outfield was center fielder Marley Williamson. Williamson flashed the leather multiple times with two spectacular running catches. Another player who stood out in the field was Skylar Boze on third base. Boze had multiple stops at the hot corner, including a diving play which saved a run in the seventh inning.