Salt Fork softball building momentum in postseason
May 23—CATLIN — Salt Fork built its lead slowly, but steadily Thursday in its Class 1A regional championship game against Villa Grove. A little momentum building for the Storm after each successive run-scoring inning. Necessary with Villa Grove not going quietly into the night with their own season on the line.
Salt Fork was able to withstand a three-run fourth inning from Villa Grove because of its more consistent production. Brilynn Barnett drove in three runs, Morgan Russell struck out nine in a complete game, and the Storm held on for a 7-4 victory and regional title. "We've always kind of talked about winning or tying every inning," Salt Fork coach Kalyn Learnard said.
"It kind of keeps that momentum going. Even whenever they score a run and we're able to answer back in that next inning is huge for momentum. " Salt Fork has battled momentum throughout the spring.
A five-game winning streak in early April marked the Storm's most consistent run this season. Then they lost four of their next five before winning four more in a row. An up-and-down season that's required consistent communication from Learnard to her team about staying confident and staying focused on the ability to make a run in the postseason when it matters most.
Wins against Decatur St. Teresa and Villa Grove this week are a start. Salt Fork (18-11) will now face the winner of Saturday's regional championship game between LeRoy and Watseka in Tuesday's sectional semifinals in LeRoy.