Defensive Collapse Plagues Kankakee in 20-11 Loss to Crete-Monee

The Kankakee varsity softball team suffered a crushing 20-11 conference defeat at the hands of Crete-Monee on Tuesday. Despite a persistent offensive effort from the hosts, a total defensive collapse—featuring an astounding 17 errors—allowed Crete-Monee to continuously extend innings and pile up unearned runs.

Kankakee starting pitcher A. Cunningham absorbed the brunt of the defensive struggles. She tossed a complete game, throwing 137 pitches over seven innings. While she allowed 20 runs, incredibly, only six of those runs were earned. Cunningham struck out nine batters and surrendered just one walk, but was constantly forced to work out of jams created by her own defense.

Conversely, the Crete-Monee lineup capitalized on every extra opportunity provided to them. T. Ramirez was a force at the plate, finishing 4-for-5 with a double and four runs scored. Nadia Love was equally destructive, going 4-for-5 with a game-high six RBIs and two runs. Giselle Angulo, Leah Guillermo, M. Robinson, and Raechel Lindsay each contributed multi-hit performances, fueling an unrelenting offensive attack that produced 19 total hits.

Kankakee’s offense showed resilience, repeatedly attempting to claw their way back into the game. Lillian Landis led the charge for the hosts, turning in a stellar 3-for-4 performance with a double, three runs scored, and four RBIs. Cunningham helped her own cause with a 2-for-4 showing, scoring twice and driving in a run.

The hosts jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, providing a brief glimmer of hope. However, the sheer volume of defensive mistakes quickly unraveled their early advantage. Crete-Monee’s flawless defense—committing zero errors behind pitchers Kaylee Slattery and Janelle Simpson—provided a stark contrast to Kankakee’s struggles in the field.

Slattery started in the circle for the visitors, striking out nine over four innings while battling through command issues. Simpson entered in relief and stabilized the game, allowing just two earned runs over the final three frames to secure the win.

Despite matching Crete-Monee’s effort on the basepaths with five stolen bases and pushing runs across in five different innings, Kankakee’s defensive woes proved insurmountable in the 20-11 shootout.

Game Summary

Score by Quarters

Note: Inning-by-inning run data was only provided for Kankakee. Crete-Monee run totals are reflected in the final score. Additionally, line score data for hits and errors conflicts with the box score; the box score data was used for the summary.

Scoring Drives

• 1st Inning: Kankakee starts strong, plating four runs to take an early lead. (Kankakee 4)

• 3rd Inning: The hosts push a single run across the plate. (Kankakee 5)

• 4th Inning: Kankakee continues to battle offensively, adding four more runs. (Kankakee 9)

• 5th Inning: Kankakee tacks on one run. (Kankakee 10)

• 6th Inning: A final Kankakee run crosses the plate. (Kankakee 11)

Individual Statistics

PITCHING:

• Kankakee: A. Cunningham – 7.0 IP, 19 H, 20 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 9 K (137 pitches).

• Crete-Monee: K. Slattery – 4.0 IP, 6 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 5 BB, 9 K (106 pitches); J. Simpson – 3.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K (46 pitches).

HITTING:

• Kankakee: L. Landis: 3-4, 1 2B, 4 RBI, 3 R; A. Cunningham: 2-4, 1 RBI, 2 R, 1 BB; K. Jackson: 1-3, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 HBP; M. Santoyo: 0-3, 1 BB, 2 HBP; L. Smith: 0-2, 1 BB, 1 HBP.

• Crete-Monee: N. Love: 4-5, 6 RBI, 2 R; T. Ramirez: 4-5, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 5 R, 1 BB; M. Robinson: 4-6, 3 RBI, 2 R; L. Guillermo: 4-6, 1 RBI, 3 R; G. Angulo: 3-5, 2 RBI, 2 R; R. Lindsay: 4-6, 3 RBI, 1 R; D. Wilson: 2-3, 2 RBI, 2 R.

BASERUNNING:

• Kankakee: L. Landis (2 SB), L. Smith (2 SB), K. Jackson (1 SB).

• Crete-Monee: T. Ramirez (2 SB), M. Robinson (1 SB).