EDWARDSVILLE — Kennedy Clark went the distance in the circle for O’Fallon Township High School, but the Panthers ran into an Edwardsville team that kept its streak rolling in a 4-0 win on April 16, 2026.
Clark, a junior and O’Fallon’s top pitcher, allowed four earned runs on seven hits, walked none, and struck out three in the loss at Edwardsville. The Tigers won their 10th game in a row behind pitcher Marley Fox, who struck out 10.
“I would say I am proud of the way I did,” Clark said in a postgame interview. “I had my team to back me up the whole time, which I think ended up perfectly. I think we got down at some points, and I think that next time, we can just improve on it.”
Clark has posted improved numbers this season. In nine starts, she is 7-2 with six complete games and a 1.53 ERA. She has allowed 24 runs, 12 earned, in 55 innings, giving up 41 hits, walking 21, and striking out 64.
Last season, as a sophomore, Clark went 10-9 with a 5.40 ERA. She has since taken on a larger role as a team leader for the Panthers.
Clark credited her teammates and coaches for her success.
“I think it’s having confidence in my team,” Clark said, “knowing that they’re going to back me up. I have amazing coaches who express their confidence in me, and it honestly makes me 10 times better.”
O’Fallon is 10-6 overall and 3-3 in the Southwestern Conference at the halfway point of the league season.
“For myself, honestly, I want to just kind of keep going,” Clark said, “and in my mind, I would try not to down on myself or anything. I want to keep myself uplifted, and I want the team uplifted. As far as my team, I want us to go far. I think we have a very good team this year, and I think we genuinely can go far. With the coaching staff we have, and the players, I don’t see anything else but success right now.”
Edwardsville and O’Fallon are scheduled to meet again on May 14 at O’Fallon Township High School on the final day of the regular season.
“I am looking forward to it,” Clark said. “I cannot wait for that rematch. I think it’s going to be a good one, and I genuinely hope that we can improve as a team, and next time, it’s going to be a closer game.”
