Mahoney, Kaitlin Hardie lead CL South past Jacobs

By her own admission, Emily Mahoney isn't a strikeout pitcher.

So, the Crystal Lake South right-hander totally relied on her slick-fielding defense for support.

Mahoney, who had 2 strikeouts with a walk in 7 innings, induced Jacobs hitters into eight infield groundouts. The Gators made 1 harmless error and turned 2 double plays.

The South senior tossed a 4-hit shutout as the third-seeded Gators defeated No. 2 Jacobs 3-0 in a semifinal game

of the Class 4A McHenry regional Thursday afternoon.

"I am not going to strike out 13 or 14 batters in a game," said Mahoney. "I totally trust my defense. My drop ball was really working and I was able to keep the hitters off balance."

Crystal Lake South (26-11) takes on top-seeded Prairie Ridge for the regional crown at 4:30 p.m. today.

The Gators provided Mahoney all the offense she needed in the third inning. With two outs, Vikki Pyan reached on an error, which was followed by a single from Samantha Hardie. The next hitter, Kaitlin Hardie, laced a double down the left-field line that scored Pyan and Samantha Hardie. Kaitlin Hardie eventually scored the third run on an error.

"It was a low pitch on the outside," said Kaitlin Hardie. "I didn't really think I hit it that well but I was pleased with the results. We were ready to play (Wednesday) but the game was rained out. We were a little nervous today but Emily pitched a great game and we played great defense."

Mahoney no-hit Jacobs (20-13) for 3 innings before Jenna Teson produced the Golden Eagles' first hit of the game to lead off the fourth inning.

Controversy clouded the top of the sixth inning. Jacobs' Gigi Miller led off the inning by being hit by a pitch. The next batter, Sara Jacobson, drilled a shot down the left-field line that had home run distance, but the ball was called foul.

Jacobs coach Jeremy Bauer vehemently disagreed with the call.

"There is no doubt that was a home run," said Bauer. "I will not change my mind on that."

Jacobs was unable to score in the sixth.

Freshman Katie Kirker was outstanding in the circle for the Golden Eagles. She allowed 3 runs on 3 hits and collected 8 strikeouts without a walk In 7 innings.

"Katie pitched a great game," said Bauer. "I was very proud of her. She really battled. We had a key defensive miscue and we missed some offensive opportunities. We lost eight seniors and seven starters from last year and most people thought we would be mediocre. This team truly overachieved."

Teson had 2 of Jacobs' 4 hits.

"Emily was amazing and our seniors really came through," said South coach Scott Busam. "This time of the year the seniors have to come through. Before, a couple of years ago, getting to the regional championship would be a great achievement. Now we want more. The bar is higher."