Emily Chapman (15-0) was the winning pitcher after relieving starter Sara Malanowski in the fifth inning.
A-J drew first blood with a run on two hits in the third, but the Panthers answered back that same inning with a run on the same number of hits. Maddy Keith started things off with a single to left field. Crawford reached safely after her bunt was thrown into the outfield in an attempt to force out Keith. A Mo Ramsey pop up to left was misplayed loading the bases. Another misstep allowed Emily Miller to reach base and score Keith.
The teams each scored in the fifth inning. For the Panthers, Ramsey singled and stole second. Cicardi came through with another big RBI with a single to left. Her heroics would be repeated in the seventh to seal the win for the Panthers.
The team is now 35-1 and on a 21-game winning streak. It opens sectional play Herrin at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at Carterville.
The boys baseball team also won Saturday by a 7-1 margin in the Nashville regional. The team advances to sectional play at Alton Thursday.
