Springs Valley Community High School

More than a month ago, the Springs Valley softball team traveled to Dubois and stood no chance against rival Northeast Dubois, losing 21-2. The Blackhawks managed only three hits themselves and couldn’t keep the Jeeps off the basepaths in their most lopsided loss of the season. So on Tuesday, with the Blackhawks traveling to Wood Memorial to take on Northeast Dubois again in their sectional opener, it would have been easy to lack confidence. The Blackhawks didn’t, though, and it benefited them as they charged to a 2-0 upset victory. Springs Valley got all of its offensive work done early, scoring one run in each of the first and second innings. That would be enough to get them through the game thanks to strong pitching and defense. Lily Hickman got the win in the circle, pitching all seven innings and allowing just four hits and a walk while striking out six in the shutout. She did it on just 88 pitches as well, challenging the Jeeps early and often. The sophomore also had one of the Blackhawks’ two hits, also drawing two walks in her four plate appearances. She scored a run and stole two bases as well. Emri Allen had a similar line, going 1-2 with a walk and a run scored. Karson Dalton went hitless in three plate appearances against the Jeeps, but still made an impact on the game with the Blackhawks’ lone run batted in. The win is the third in a row for Springs Valley (12-9, 5-1 PLAC), which will advance to the sectional championship game against Tecumseh on Thursday. The Blackhawks have now won at least 12 games for the third consecutive season, a mark the program hadn’t reached in quite some time before this run began. BLACKHAWKS 2, JEEPS 0 Springs Valley (12-9);110;000;0—2;2;0 Northeast Dubois (13-8);000;000;0—0;4;2 W: Hickman. L: Kalb.