M.R.
Please don't crush any pill or open a capsule unless the pharmacist says it's safe! Some meds are time-release pills and will deliver too high a dose too fast if crushed. Tell the pharmacist you need a liquid version of this med. I have great difficulty with pills and my pharmacist has no issues giving me liquid forms of meds like antibiotics.
Is this med a prescription like an antibiotic or an over the counter med like Advil? It's fine to give a tween or even an adult kids' liquid OTC Motrin or Advil etc.; ask a pharmacist how much of the kids' OTC version to use.
While it will be good to help her learn to swallow pills eventually, I would not push her to keep trying now, while her throat is sore. Let her use a liquid version.
Has she had a strep test? If not, please get her one today. Strep is around all year now.