PEORIA, Ill. (WCIA) — For the first time ever, Leroy softball was playing for a chance to win a state title.

The Panthers fell 10-0 to Carrollton in Saturday’s 1A championship, bringing their historic season to an end.

Leroy finishes the season with a 35-6 record, compiling a win streak that got up as high as 19 during the regular season. It’s a return to the state stage for this senior group, who took third place in 2023.

“We made school history twice, and we’re just very lucky to be a part of this program,” senior Natalie Loy said. “We’re a family and that’s all that matters.” “I’m going to remember everything our team is just so lucky to have each other.” “We’re so lucky to have the coaches and just a little fun memories we make at practice on the bus.” “I’m just really excited and really happy.”

“They’re just such a good group of girls, they care about each other, they’ve been raised the right way, they just were an absolute blast to be around,” head coach Doug Hageman said. “Those six seniors are going to be really, really hard to replace.”