NORMAL – It wasn’t the win Hinckley-Big Rock was looking to end its season with, but the Royals will take it.

After a disappointing 4-3 loss in the semifinals of the Class 1A state tournament Friday, H-BR returned to the Corn Crib and defeated Rockford Keith, 4-3, in the third-place game Saturday.

“It’s a little bittersweet for us, but it’s still nice to know that we’re third in state,” Royals coach Paul Taeuber said. “We know we can compete and so finishing on that positive note, winning our last game … that’s what we’re here for.”