Warren’s a winner vs. Grant

Lisiann Rodriguez hit a 2-run triple in a 3-run first inning and added a solo homer in the sixth, as Warren’s softball team opened state tournament play Tuesday with a 4-0 over No. 4 Grant in a semifinal of the Class 4A Warren regional.

Lyn DeMeyer had an RBI single in the first off Grant ace Rachel DePouw, as Warren (31-4-1), the top seed in its own regional, advanced to Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. final against the winner of today’s 4:30 p.m. game between No. 2 Zion-Benton and No. 3 McHenry.

Amy Ricci added a double for the Blue Devils, while Jana Wagner dominated in the circle. The sophomore pitched all 7 innings, scattering 3 hits, walking one and striking out eight.

Carmel 14, Waukegan 0: At Carmel, the regional top seed cruised to a five-inning win over the fourth-seeded Bulldogs in a Class 4A regional semifinal.

Kathleen Felicelli continued to swing a hot bat for Carmel, going 3-for-4 with a home run, triple and 5 RBI. Sally Snarski also went 3-for-4, with one of her hits being a double. The Corsairs got 2-hit games from Kelley Dodge, Amy Abel (double, 2 RBI) and Jenny Behan (double). Skyler Zak singled and knocked in 2 runs. Nicole Bitter earned the win, allowing 2 hits and striking out seven in a complete-game performance.

Carmel will play in the regional final at 11 a.m. Saturday against the winner of today’s 4:30 p.m. game between No. 2 Libertyville and No. 3 Mundelein at Carmel.