Article and Photos by T Ray Henry
The Marshall High School softball team closed its 2026 LIC schedule with a road game at Mount Carmel on Monday, May 11th. The Lions came in with a record of 21-2, while Mount Carmel came in with a record of 17-3. In their most recent conference game against Richland County last week, the Lions clinched the Little Illini Conference title, so this game in Wabash County would determine whether Marshall would win the championship outright or if they would share the title with Robinson.
In a game where base hits proved elusive for the visitors, Marshall generated a total of five hits, three singles by Lynn Welborn, and one single each by McKenzie Davis and Klaire York as the Lions fell to the Lady Aces by the score of 3-0.
Mount Carmel scored single runs in the bottom of the second (on a home run), the bottom of the third (on a bases loaded walk), and the bottom of the sixth (single, sac bunt, RBI single) to account for all the scoring in the contest. Marshall starting pitcher Kyla Gustafson matched Mount Carmel starter Lyla Keepes with 10 strikeouts apiece, but the Lions couldn’t string any hits together to put pressure on the home side. The Lions never had a runner advance past second base the entire ballgame.
With the loss, Marshall (21-3) shares the LIC title with Robinson, which defeated Lawrenceville 12-0. The Lions return to action Tuesday afternoon as Marshall hosts Dieterich on Senior Day. First pitch at the Marshall softball diamond is scheduled for 4:30 PM.