By Sean Duncan

PEORIA, IL – Normal University put a quick end to Trenton Wesclin’s Cinderella run in the Class 2A state tournament Friday, as the Pioneers were never seriously challenged in their 8-3 victory in the semifinals at O’Brien Field.

Normal U-High (28-10) will look to win its first state championship Saturday when it takes on Rock Island Alleman at 5 p.m.  

Wesclin (20-18), a sixth seed, upended two-time defending champion Teutopolis in the supersectional and Anna-Jonesboro in the sectional final to make its improbable trip to Peoria. The Warriors dream-ride came to a screeching halt when U-High mounted a 4-0 lead after three innings and never looked back.

The Pioneers had a balanced offensive attack. Freshman Arion Worthman made a name for himself on the big stage when the 5-foot-10, 190-pound athlete went 2-for-3 with a triple, two RBI and a run scored. His two-run single in the third inning game the Pioneers a 4-0 advantage.

Senior left fielder Jordan Stralow went 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored, while sophomore third baseman Travis Auer delivered two hits, a RBI and a run scored.  Connor Bailey came off the bench to deliver a two-run single, and Jim Solberg also had two hits and a RBI.

Senior left-hander Ryan Newby (6-1) pitched four innings, allowing three hits and two runs. Dylan Famey came in to pitch the final three innings, allowing three hits and one run.

U-High will be positioned to earn its first state championship, as it has its ace left-hander, Hearltland-bound Jacob Hendren, going.