Defensive Miscues Cost Crete-Monee Softball in 13-7 Loss to Kankakee

Despite a resilient offensive effort that produced 10 hits and a late rally, the Crete-Monee varsity softball team could not overcome fielding struggles on Wednesday, falling 13-7 to Kankakee in a home conference matchup.

Crete-Monee’s defense committed eight errors over the seven-inning contest, providing Kankakee with critical extra opportunities on the basepaths. The visitors took immediate advantage, jumping out to an early lead and scoring in each of the first four innings to build a commanding 8-2 advantage.

Kankakee’s offense was anchored by Kaleah Jackson, who proved impossible to keep off the bases. Jackson finished with a flawless 3-for-3 performance at the plate, scoring three runs and driving in two. Pitcher A. Cunningham also helped her own cause, tallying three hits—including a double—and scoring twice in a 3-for-5 outing.

Trailing by six runs entering the bottom of the fifth, Crete-Monee finally found its rhythm. The home squad’s bats came alive to plate four runs in the frame, slicing the Kankakee lead to a manageable 8-6 and injecting new life into the Crete-Monee dugout.

The momentum shift, however, was short-lived. Kankakee responded immediately in the top of the sixth, manufacturing a crucial four-run inning of their own to re-establish a comfortable cushion. The visitors pushed their lead to 12-6 before trading runs with Crete-Monee in the final frames to reach the 13-7 final.

In the circle, Cunningham earned the complete-game victory for Kankakee. She navigated the Crete-Monee lineup effectively over seven innings, scattering 10 hits and allowing five earned runs. Cunningham struck out three batters and issued just one walk to secure the conference win.

Game Summary

Score by Quarters

Note: Table reflects innings 1-7 as softball is played in innings rather than quarters.

Scoring Drives

• Quarter 1 (1st Inning): Kankakee opens the scoring with 1 run; Crete-Monee immediately answers with 1 run to tie.

• Quarter 2 (2nd Inning): Kankakee adds 2 runs to take the lead.

• Quarter 3 (3rd Inning): Kankakee plates 2 more runs; Crete-Monee manages 1 run in response.

• Quarter 4 (4th Inning): Kankakee extends the lead with a 3-run inning.

• Quarter 5 (5th Inning): Crete-Monee mounts a comeback, pushing across 4 runs to close the gap to 8-6.

• Quarter 6 (6th Inning): Kankakee answers with a 4-run surge; Crete-Monee plates 1 run.

• Quarter 7 (7th Inning): Kankakee adds 1 final insurance run; Crete-Monee is held scoreless to end the game.

Individual Statistics

BATTING:

• Kankakee: Kaleah Jackson 3-3, 3 R, 2 RBI; A. Cunningham 3-5, 2 R, 1 2B; Lillian Landis 2-5, 2 R, 1 RBI; Sherlyn Morales 2-3, 1 RBI; M. Santoyo 1-4, 2 R; Lily James 1-2, 1 R, 1 RBI.

• Crete-Monee: Team Totals: 10 Hits, 7 Runs. (Note: Individual player statistics for Crete-Monee were not provided).

PITCHING:

• Kankakee: A. Cunningham (W) 7.0 IP, 10 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 3 K.

• Crete-Monee: (Note: Individual pitching statistics for Crete-Monee were not provided).

BASERUNNING (STEALS):

• Kankakee: Lillian Landis 1, Sherlyn Morales 1.