WHITESTOWN OH- Austintown stayed alive in the regional tournament with a gritty 2-1 win over Illinois on Thursday. Annabel Mikesell was a force in the circle, recording all 18 outs.

Austintown struck first in the opening inning thanks to an error that brought in a run. Illinois answered in the top of the third when Gia Sikorski grounded out to tie the game at one.

Austintown regained the lead in the bottom of the third with a clutch single from Mila Hamley, driving in a run to make it 2-1.

Mikesell was stellar, allowing five hits and one run over six innings, with nine strikeouts and no walks. Charlotte Goeckel pitched for Illinois, giving up six hits and two runs (one earned) over five innings, with no strikeouts or walks.

Hamley led the team at the plate, going 1-for-2 with an RBI. Mikesell also contributed with two hits in two at-bats. Marissa Polder and Lily Sheffield were aggressive on the base paths, each stealing multiple bases. Austintown racked up seven stolen bases in total.

Sawyer Hilding led Illinois with two hits in two at-bats, while Gia Sikorski had an RBI. Payton Kunitz added two stolen bases for Illinois.

Austintown advances to the semifinals against Indiana on Thursday at 1:45, with the game broadcasted on ESPN.