STOCKTON - Fatima is headed back to the Final Four.
The Comets used a four-run third inning Wednesday to defeat Stockton 8-1 in a Class 3 quarterfinal game and return to the state semifinals for the third straight year.
"We're excited as all get out," Fatima coach Scott Kilgore said.
Logan Vogel threw a complete-game three-hitter for Fatima, allowing one unearned run on eight strikeouts and no walks. He led the Comets at the plate, too, going 2-for-3 with an RBI.
"The kid just continues to do it all," Kilgore said. "Outstanding defense when he plays the filed. The games that he's pitched, the last three games have been complete games. He's resilient to any errors we might make. Nothing seems to faze the kid."
Will Robertson was 2-for-4 at the plate, Hunter Hennier had a hit and two RBI, and Zach Hudspeth and Matt Temmen each had a hit and an RBI.
Kilgore said it was tempting for the team to look ahead to the Final Four, but the Comets made sure keep their eyes on the playoff games at hand.
"You try not to focus on that," he said "You try to focus on the moment one game at the time. That's one of the reasons for our success. We try not to look ahead. Once you start looking past people, that's when you get in trouble."
Fatima's roster boasts eight seniors, seven of which returned from last year's team.
"The experience has been carrying us through this," Kilgore said. "Being prepared and understanding what it takes."
The Comets, who finished third last year and won a state title in 2013, face Lutheran St. Charles in a Class 3 semifinal at 7 p.m. Monday at T.R. Hughes Ballpark in O'Fallon.