The Jacksonville baseball team saw its record‑setting campaign come to an abrupt close on Tuesday, dropping a 5‑1 decision to Mascoutah in the sectional semifinals. The loss capped a 27‑8 season that stands as the winningest in school history and reflects a four‑year stretch that included three consecutive 20‑plus win seasons and two regional championships.
Legacy of the Five Seniors
Coach Cory Bunner praised the five seniors — AJ Charpentier, Cy Kershaw, Joe Reif, Nolan Peters and Talan Harney — for the trust they built and the energy they brought to the dugout each day. "We left everything out there but didn’t execute perfectly," Charpentier said after the game, acknowledging the team’s effort while pointing to missed opportunities.
Mascoutah entered the contest as the No. 16 team in the state and leaned on starter Nolan Lebert, who limited Jacksonville to four hits with six strikeouts and a walk. In the final inning‑and‑a‑third, Kershaw shut down the opposition, striking out one and walking one while preserving the lead.
The seniors’ contributions extended beyond the box score. Their dedication, teamwork and willingness to support one another defined a era that will be remembered long after the final out. The group’s hard work helped the program achieve one of its most celebrated periods in recent memory.