In a Class 3A Mount Zion Sectional semifinal, two local powerhouses saw their championship hopes slip away. Sacred Heart-Griffin (SHG) fell to Normal U-High after surrendering four runs in the bottom of the first inning, a blow that overshadowed a strong outing by pitcher Drew Ward. Meanwhile, Chatham Glenwood lost to Champaign Central 3-1, with Central’s Ryan Pipkins delivering a complete-game gem that featured five strikeouts and just one run allowed.
Pitching Duels Define the Semifinals
Ryan Pipkins’ performance became the centerpiece of Champaign Central’s victory, as his command and poise kept Glenwood’s hitters at bay. For SHG, Drew Ward’s efforts were commendable, but the early four-run onslaught left little room for recovery. Both teams entered the game with optimism after building early leads, only to watch those advantages evaporate in the opening frames.
Grady Mueller provided a spark for Glenwood by launching a solo home run in the third inning, but the lead was short-lived. Relief pitcher Cole Woodward later struggled, plunking three batters in the sixth and further complicating Glenwood’s attempt to rally. The defensive adjustments by Champaign Central proved decisive, as they capitalized on every mistake.
The defeats left both SHG and Glenwood reflecting on missed opportunities, while Normal U-High and Champaign Central prepared for a sectional championship matchup. Fans and players alike will look to translate the momentum from these semifinal performances into a bid for the title, hoping to write a different ending to their postseason stories.