Jackson’s Five RBIs, Covington’s Homer Power Kankakee Softball Past Crete-Monee in 16-13 Slugfest

In a high-scoring, back-and-forth conference clash, the Kankakee varsity softball team outlasted visiting Crete-Monee 16-13 on Thursday. Despite significant defensive struggles from both sides, Kankakee’s potent offense—anchored by a phenomenal five-RBI performance from Kaleah Jackson—ultimately proved to be the difference.

Kankakee’s lineup produced 10 hits and capitalized on eight walks to consistently generate run-scoring opportunities. Jackson was nearly unstoppable at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a double, a triple, four runs scored, and a game-high five RBIs. M. Covington provided the biggest single swing of the afternoon for the home team, launching a home run and driving in a pair of runs as part of a solid 2-for-4 day.

A. Cunningham also delivered a multi-hit game in the middle of the order, going 2-for-4 with a double, three runs scored, and two RBIs. The top of the Kankakee lineup did its job setting the table; Lily James and M. Santoyo each reached base multiple times via walks and combined for five runs scored, with Santoyo crossing the plate three times. Kankakee also applied pressure on the basepaths, stealing six bases as a team, including two by Tay’La Tooles.

In the circle, Cunningham went the distance to earn the victory. She navigated a dangerous Crete-Monee lineup and her own team’s defensive woes, as Kankakee committed eight errors behind her. Cunningham threw 106 pitches over seven innings, striking out five without issuing a single walk—a crucial factor in surviving the 15-hit attack from the visitors. Of the 13 runs she allowed, only eight were earned.

Though specific inning-by-inning scoring was not recorded, the final tally reflects a wild shootout where Kankakee’s offensive firepower ultimately overshadowed its defensive miscues to secure the home conference win.

Game Summary

Score by Quarters

Scoring Drives

• Specific inning-by-inning scoring summaries were not provided. Kankakee outpaced Crete-Monee in a high-scoring 16-13 shootout.

Individual Statistics

BATTING:

• Crete-Monee: Stats not provided.

• Kankakee: Kaleah Jackson 3-4 (1 2B, 1 3B, 5 RBI, 4 R, 1 SB); M. Covington 2-4 (1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 R); A. Cunningham 2-4 (1 2B, 2 RBI, 3 R); Lily James 1-3 (2 R, 2 BB, 1 SB); M. Santoyo 1-3 (3 R, 2 BB, 1 SB); Tay’La Tooles 0-3 (1 BB, 2 SB).

PITCHING:

• Crete-Monee: Stats not provided.

• Kankakee: A. Cunningham (W) 7.0 IP, 15 H, 13 R, 8 ER, 0 BB, 5 K.

FIELDING:

• Crete-Monee: Team totals: 3 E.

• Kankakee: Team totals: 21 PO, 8 A, 8 E.