By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Nine innings weren’t enough two undefeated district champions to settle matters on Saturday.

It was all about pitching and defense as not a single run was scored between St. Charles and Pope John Paul. The two teams went to extra innings, but rainfall made sure there would be no more. And it ended as a 0-0 tie.

St. Charles’ Courtney Western and PJP’s Laura Ricciardone each pitched a complete game, dueling to a double shutout.

“It was a real pitching battle,” said St. Charles Coach Ty Monica. “Pitching and defense. It’s the type of game we like to play.”

Western (11-4-1) allowed three hits and walked two, while striking out eight.

St. Charles (23-6-1, 7-0) threatened on more than one occasion, getting runners in scoring position with less than two outs. But each time, Ricciardone and the 9-2A champion Jaguars (22-2-3) were able to escape.

For Monica, the tight game was more valuable experience for his team, which is likely to enter the Class 3A state tournament as one of the highest seeds in the bracket – if not the very top seed. SCC currently sits as the top team according to power points in 3A.

“It’s all about getting a chance to play against a real quality opponent,” said Monica. “Seeing the kind of starting pitcher that they have helps. We haven’t seen that too much this year.”

St. Charles will finish it’s regular season on Thursday as it host Covington (18-9-2, 13-1), the champions of District 7-5A.