Episode 270: The Champs are at St. Bede

·58 min·5 clips

St. Bede's softball team wins a wild 7-6 state championship with a freshman's game-saving defensive play.

The episode opens with host Brandon LaChance announcing St. Bede Academy's 7-6 victory in the IHSA Class 1A softball state championship against two-time defending champ Illini Bluffs. He narrates the game's pivotal moments: St. Bede's six-run third inning, Ava Balestri's game-winning single, and freshman Lily Bosnick's defensive play to seal the win. LaChance then previews interviews with players and coach Sean Sons, recorded after the semifinal and championship games. The first interview is with junior Regan Stout after the 4-1 semifinal win over Goreville, discussing the team's energy and composure. Next, coach Sean Sons reflects on the championship win, highlighting key plays like Addy Bontz's throw from center field and explaining the team's 'Mudita' philosophy of shared joy. LaChance also notes missed details, like freshman Emma Slingsby's performance and Maddie Dalton playing through injury. Interviews with Ella Hermes, Lily Bosnick, and Addy Bontz follow, where Bosnick reveals she sang the 'Team Umizoomi' theme song at bat. The episode intersperses sports updates: all three girls' soccer state championships went to double overtime, and baseball results include Henry-Senachwine's walk-off win and Sycamore's advancement. Sponsor segments promote First State Bank's Quillo loans, Arteaga Tree Service, Little Joe's Gaming Cafe, Mendota Ford, and Sports Boss Golf. LaChance closes by mentioning his upcoming vacation and summer sports schedule.

As heard by us

A 7-6 state-title comeback becomes a story of one final defensive play and the community waiting at home.

St. Bede's 2023 IHSA Class 1A softball title gives Edge of Your Seat a strong built-in arc: a 7-6 win over Illini Bluffs that swings from a three-run deficit to a 6-3 lead, back to a tie, then lands on Ava Balestri's single, Lily McLean's courtesy run, and Madeline Torrance's…

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Why you'd press play

You can settle into St. Bede's 7-6 IHSA Class 1A title game, from the six-run third inning to the freshman shortstop's wild final out.

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