Your online home for Joplin area sports coverage.

Month: September 2022

GIRLS TENNIS: Cavaliers advance to sectional round of state tourney

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

Thomas Jefferson Independent School hosted the Class 1 District 10 individual girls tennis tournament on Friday, and the Cavaliers had two singles players and a doubles team advance.

The top two finishers in singles and doubles advanced to the sectional round of the state tournament.  

Allison Ding

Thomas Jefferson’s duo of Allison Ding and Jeanna Jeyaraj were the sectional qualifiers in singles.

Ding defeated Jeyaraj 6-2, 6-0 in the championship match. 

After a first-round bye, Ding defeated College Heights Christian’s Natalie Brueggemann 6-0, 6-0 in the quarterfinals. She topped Aurora’s Olivia Ray 6-1, 6-1 in the semifinals.

Jeyaraj beat CHC’s Emery Yantis 6-1, 6-1 in the opening round, and she defeated Mount Vernon’s Vicki Moore 6-4, 6-3 in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Jeyaraj beat Monett’s Elizabeth Smith 6-2, 6-3.

Smith defeated Ray 8-4 for third place. 

In doubles, Mount Vernon’s Isabella Mosley and Allison Schubert and Thomas Jefferson’s Kyla Yang and Mayson Solum advanced as the top two finishers.

In the title match, Mosley-Schubert edged Yang-Solum 7-6 (7-5), 6-4.

The top-seeded Mountaineers defeated Monett’s Deleny Rueda and Serenity Laning 6-0, 6-0 in the quarterfinals and knocked off TJ’s Warda Morsy-Jessica Joseph 6-1, 6-0 in the semifinals. 

Third-seeded Yang-Solum beat Mount Vernon’s Adelynn Hall-Audrey Bittle 6-3, 6-0 in the quarterfinals and then knocked off second-seeded Kloey Boyd-Emily Gearhart of Aurora 6-3, 4-6, 11-9 in the semifinals.

Morsy-Joseph defeated Boyd-Gearhart 9-8 (7-3) in the third-place match. 

In other doubles action, College Heights Christian’s Avery Baker-Elena Dumm defeated Monett’s Jocelyn Hernandez-Emma Parrigon 6-1, 6-1 in the quarterfinals before falling to Aurora 6-4, 6-3 in the semifinals.

CHC’s Ella Bishop-Jeanna Smathers lost 6-2, 6-0 to TJ’s Morsy-Joseph in the quarterfinals. 

Thomas Jefferson will host the sectional tourney on Saturday, Oct. 8, with the action slated to begin at 1 p.m.

BOYS SOCCER: Joplin upends Pittsburg 4-1

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

Joplin scored three goals in the first half on the way to a 4-1 over Pittsburg on Thursday.

The Eagles took the initial lead when Azziel Palma found the back of the net in the eighth minute off the assist by Adam Montanez. 

Joplin added a goal from Luciano Reyes in the 12th minute off the assist by Luis Alvarado and ballooned the lead to 3-0 with an Adam Montanez goal in the 15th minute, with Palma credited with the assist. 

Pittsburg cut the lead to 3-1 by halftime, but Joplin’s goal from Luis Alvarado off the assist from Duncan Fogarty in the 65th minute was the only goal of the second half.

Joplin’s Andrew Jordan finished with two saves.

 

VOLLEYBALL: Ozark beats Joplin in three sets for conference win

Posted on by Lucas Davis

Ozark made it a point to jump out in front and play with the lead in a 25-19, 25-13 and 25-18 win over Joplin in Central Ozark Conference action on Thursday inside Kaminsky Gymnasium.

After a back-and-forth opening set that went in favor of the Tigers, Ozark jumped out to early leads and played with cushion in the final two sets to compelte the conference road sweep.

“Ozark does a lot of really good things,” Joplin coach Desiree Felker said. “We have to clean up a few things at the net, blocking wise. We were in the right spot a lot of times, so we just have to figure out how to stay in there, press over the net and keep the ball on their side. I don’t know how many blocking errors we had, but a lot of the times we were right there and the ball was just going off our hands and out of bounds. Credit it to their hitters, though, because they were using us like they were supposed to. Defensively, we made some big plays. We just didn’t make them every time we needed to. Ozark is a good program and we just kind of ended up on the wrong side of it.”

Joplin falls to 12-9-1, 1-3 COC on the season, while Ozark improves to 16-5, 3-1 COC.

GAME ACTION

Ozark jumped out to a 7-3 lead in the opening game thanks to three quick kills and a block from Skylar Hilton as well as a kill from Reagan Baade. 

Joplin rallied back to tie the game at 11-11 after a kill and a block from Bailey Owens, but a six-point service run from Ozark’s Alexis Andela, which included a block from Sophie Morris and a kill from Tara Venable, sent the Tigers to a 20-14 advantage and eventual win in the opening set.

“When we get rattled, sometimes our serve receive doesn’t go where we need it to go,” Felker said. “They were putting a lot of pressure on us at the net and from the service line. It just didn’t go the way we wanted it to tonight.”

The Tigers played in for much of the second set, building an early 11-5 lead off a kill from Venable and a kill from Morris. Back to back kills from Owens later in the set cut Joplin’s deficit to 14-12, but Ozark answered with the next three points that included a kill from Venable and a block from Hilton pushed the lead back to five, 17-12. Following a Joplin sideout, Venable forced one of her own with a kill before Anna Howe ripped off the last seven points in service to end the second set. Venable had two kills in the run, which also included an ace by Howe and a block from Morris.

“They did a really good job of working the ball around our defense,” Felker said. “They also did a good job of reading our hitters on the other side of the net, which makes it tricky when you are trying to go on a run.”

Ozark pushed out to a 10-4 lead in the third set before a three-point service run from Abby Edwards cut Joplin’s deficit to 12-9. The Tigers pushed the lad to 17-11 on consecutive kills from Baade. Joplin cut the lead to 18-16 late but that would be as close as the Eagles would get as the Tigers answered with a sideout before back to back kills from Venable jump started a four-point service run by Macy Humble that ended with a Venable kill to put Ozark in front 23-16. A block from Morris and an ace by Reece Cook closed out the set and match.

STATS 

Owens had 11 kills, three blocks and two digs to lead Joplin. Paisley Parker, Abby Hembree, Serafina Auberry and Raelin Calderon each had two kills. Hembree added 11 assists and Parker had 10 digs. Jayla Hunter had a team-high 14 digs.

UP NEXT

Joplin travels to Carl Junction on Tuesday before visiting Willard on Thursday.

VOLLEYBALL: College Heights wins rivalry match with TJ in four sets

Posted on by Jason Peake

The College Heights Christian Cougars scored 14 of the match’s final 15 points to avoid a third consecutive night of five-set volleyball and earn a 3-1 victory (25-14, 25-21, 25-27, 25-16) Thursday evening over their Ozark 7 Conference, district and Newman Road rival Thomas Jefferson inside the TJ Fieldhouse.

College Heights also outscored Thomas Jefferson 18-5 to close out the first set 25-14 and fought off the Cavaliers late in the second set 25-21, while Thomas Jefferson succeeded on a fourth set point to take the third set 27-25.

College Heights improved to 16-5-1 overall and 2-1 Ozark 7.

“I’m not a big fan of excuses,” College Heights coach Mary Colin said. “We showed up tonight a little bit spread out. We took team pictures after school in our new facility, which is so fun and exciting, and which pushed us back all over and running late. We literally ran in the gym late, and by the time we got into the locker room and got out, they had called captains, which is absolutely our fault just for the timing of the day.

College Heights Christian took on Thomas Jefferson in volleyball action on Thursday night. All photos by Shawn Fowler.

“We were not warm, and we did not move well (early). They slowly just started trying to logically fix that part of their game and it was just a matter of taking the smart part of their game and their energy and their momentum, because it’s hard to speed up if you don’t warm up well. They did (speed up), and I’m super proud of them.

“We had every intention of not going five. They truly did leave our last time out and pushed as hard as they could to get to a point where they will not play a five-set match tonight. We’re super proud of them for that.”

The Cougars won for the first time without their outstanding senior Addie Lawrence.

“Addie is a powerhouse,” Colin said. “She’s scored a lot of points for us, so it’s finding the points in other places. They are all heart and soul. They are great kids. They’re not trying to make mistakes, obviously. Addie’s here on the bench cheering them on, which is awesome.”

Lauren Ukena finished the match Thursday with 18 kills and 10 digs, while Lindsay Griesemer had 15 service points and nine kills. Katie Moss contributed 13 service points and 13 digs, Ava Masena had 13 service points and 23 digs, Libby Fanning recorded 13 kills, and Maddy Colin compiled 39 assists and 17 digs.

College Heights returns to action Monday on the road against McDonald County and the Cougars return home Tuesday with an Ozark 7 match against Verona.

Thomas Jefferson fell to 8-11 overall and 1-3 Ozark 7.

“I wanted them to compete,” Thomas Jefferson coach Dave Soetaert said. “That’s what I said at the beginning of the season, I just want to come in and compete and I want the other team to walk out the door knowing they competed, and points will fall where they fall. We did.

“They had some great plays. They’re a good team, perennial powerhouse around here, and big rival down the street. We haven’t beat them in a gazillion years. In my four years, I think that’s the first time we’ve gotten a set off them. Man, it could have been more, could have been less.

“We’re proud of the girls. They fought hard. I thought it should have been a good match to watch if you’re paying money to watch volleyball. Just a couple things here and there, it could have been different.”

Mary Nguyen had 13 digs and six kills for the Cavaliers, while Nico Carlson had eight digs, four kills, six assists and three blocks. Leah Studer contributed seven digs and four assists with a pair of aces, Lannah Grigg had 13 digs and seven kills, and Gabbi Hiebert put together 10 digs, six kills, four assists, and two blocks.

Thomas Jefferson returns to action Saturday in the Southwest Volleyfest Tournament with matches already slated against Purdy, Spokane, Wheaton, and Pierce City.

 

 

 

 

VOLLEYBALL ROUNDUP: Lo Jones recognized for career milestone in CJ win; Seneca and McAuley earn sweeps; Mustangs victorious

Posted on by Lucas Davis

JONES HONORED FOR 3,000 CAREER ASSISTS IN BULLDOG WIN

CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — On a night where senior Lo Jones was honored with surpassing 3,000 career assists, Carl Junction (13-7-1, 2-2 COC) made the night even more memorable with a 25-20, 20-25, 25-21 and 25-16 Central Ozark Conference win over Republic on Thursday.

Jones, an Arkansas volleyball commit, surpassed 3,000 career assists during the Dr. Jeffrey Knutzen CJ Classic on Saturday. 

“What a great accomplishment for Lo,” Carl Junction coach Cheryl Sharples said. “She does a great job running an offense and creating successful opportunities for her hitters. 

“The best part was that she didn’t even know she had reached 3,000.”

Jones added 34 assists in the win over the Tigers, while Destiny Buerge finished with 14 digs. Karissa Chase had 11 kills, five aces and three blocks. Jocelyn Brown finished with 20 digs.

Carl Junction hosts Joplin on Tuesday.

 

SENECA SWEEPS NEVADA

Seneca earned its 11th win of the season after defeating Nevada 25-17, 25-21 and 25-20 in Big 8 Conference action on Thursday.

The Indians improve to 11-5-1 and are 3-0 in conference play.

Brylee Sage had 26 assists and four aces, while Parker Long finished with 15 kills, four aces and a block. Jera Jameson had six kills, while Braxton Raulston finished with eight kills and four digs.

Seneca takes part in the Neosho Tournament on Saturday.

 

MCAULEY SWEEPS VERONA

McAuley Catholic volleyball improved to 18-10-2, 4-0 in the Ozark 7, after sweeping Verona 25-11, 25-20 and 26-24 on Thursday.

“We worked with a different lineup this evening and I think that’s what allowed Verona to score more than we wanted,” McAuley coach Sarah Nangle said. “But, overall, I am still proud that we were able to win in three games.”

Kloee Williamson and Lily Black each had five kills to lead the Warriors, while Kaitlyn Bates had four aces. JoJo Wheeler finished with 10 digs.

McAuley hosts Golden City on Tuesday.

 

MCDONALD COUNTY TOPS MONETT

MONETT, Mo. — McDonald County defeated Monett 25-17, 25-19, 25-16 in a Big 8 matchup. 

Savannah Leib had nine kills and five aces to lead the Mustangs, while Megan Elwood and Carlie Martin added five kills apiece.

Jayden Forcum handed out 22 assists and Elwood had a team-high 24 digs. Hay Nay Way added 18 digs. 

The Mustangs will compete at Mount Vernon’s tournament on Saturday.

 

CARTHAGE EARNS COC WIN

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Carthage defeated Willard 25-15, 24-26, 25-18, 25-18 on Thursday in a COC contest.

The Tigers (7-15-2, 1-3 COC) are at Bentonville (Ark.) on Monday.

SOFTBALL ROUNDUP: Webb City, Carthage, Neosho all earn COC wins; Joplin falls to Nixa

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

WEBB CITY 4, BRANSON 3

WEBB CITY, Mo. — Webb City got back to .500 overall and improved to 5-3 in the Central Ozark Conference with a 4-3 win over the Branson Pirates on Thursday. 

The Cardinals (13-13) pushed across two runs in the first inning. The first run came home after two Branson errors before Madeline Barchak delivered an RBI single into left.

In the top of the fourth, Brooklyn Davis smacked an RBI double into right-center to cut Webb City’s lead in half. 

The Cardinals added two runs in the bottom of the fourth. A wild pitch and an error on the same play allowed both Addison Brown and Rylynn McFarland to score, giving the hosts a 4-1 lead.

The Pirates plated two runs in the fifth, trimming the Cardinals’ advantage to one. 

However, the Cardinals kept the visitors off the scoreboard in the sixth and seventh innings to secure a win. 

Alex Maturino went 2-for-3 for the Cardinals. Dawsyn Decker, Sydney Strickland, McFarland and Barchak had one hit apiece.

Webb City’s Laney Taylor was the winning pitcher. She went six innings and allowed three earned runs on seven hits with five strikeouts. Karsyn Cahoon closed it out by pitching a scoreless seventh. 

The Cardinals did not commit an error in the field. 

Branson’s Sierra Dailey took the loss. She allowed one earned run on six hits and two walks. 

Savi Engel had two hits for the Pirates (9-12, 0-8 COC). 

The Cardinals will compete at this weekend’s Springfield Tournament. 

Webb City has two home games next week, as the Cardinals host McDonald County on Monday and Joplin on Tuesday.

 

CARTHAGE 12, REPUBLIC 8

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Carthage rode a 10-run third inning to a conference victory.

The hosts trailed 7-0 when they erupted for 10 runs in the third. Carthage added single tallies in the fourth and sixth innings. 

Ashlyn Brust and Landry Cochran recorded two hits apiece for Carthage, while Shelby Hegwer drove in three runs. 

Cochran and Addison Wallace each had two RBI, while Lexa Youngblood and Alexis Smith had one RBI apiece. Brust, Ashlynn Jackson, Aven Willis and Abby Rogers scored two runs apiece.

Wallace was the winning pitcher. She allowed one run on three hits in 4 1/3 innings, striking out four.

Jackson pitched 2 2/3 innings, giving up one run on three hits while striking out three.

Republic’s Piper Dishman took the loss after allowing nine earned runs on nine hits in six innings. 

Republic’s Emi Essary hit two home runs. 

Carthage (15-12, 4-4 COC) hosts Monett on Monday before traveling to Neosho on Tuesday.

 

NEOSHO 6, WILLARD 2

NEOSHO, Mo. — Carleigh Kinnaird earned the pitching victory and also hit a home run in Neosho’s 6-2 win over the Tigers on Wednesday.

In the circle, Kinnaird allowed just two runs on six hits while striking out four in the complete-game effort.

Autumn Kinnaird went 4-for-4 at the plate, with two doubles and two triples. 

Maelynn Garrett and Grace Johnson drove in one run apiece for the Wildcats, while Olivia Emery had one hit.

Willard’s A. McMillin took the loss after allowing six earned runs on six hits.

The game was tied at two when the Wildcats erupted for three runs in the bottom of the fifth.The frame was highlighted by Carleigh Kinnaird’s two-run home run to center.

Neosho added an insurance run in the sixth on Autumn Kinnaird’s RBI double.

Neosho (19-4, 6-2 COC) hosts Grove, Oklahoma, on Monday.

 

NIXA 5, JOPLIN 0

Nixa broke open a scoreless tie with three runs crossing home in the sixth inning before scoring two more in the seventh on the way to a Central Ozark Conference win to hand Joplin its fourth straight loss on Thursday. 

Nixa didn’t record a hit through the first five innings before Chloe Krans led off the top of the sixth inning with a double to left-center field to get into scoring position. Later in the inning with two outs and two runners on base, Harper-Jane Simpson singled home a pair of runs for a 2-0 Nixa lead. Maddy Meierer followed with a shallow single to right field to bring home a run for a 3-0 lead.

Nixa added two more runs with two outs in the seventh inning when Krans and Sara Sweaney hit back to back solo home runs to left-center field for a 5-0 advantage.

Meierer earned the complete-game shutout win after scattering three hits and striking out eight over seven scoreless innings.

Jill McDaniel took the loss for Joplin (20-9, 4-4 COC) after allowing five runs on six hits, three walks and seven strikeouts in seven innings of work.

Abby Lowery, Jadyn Pankow and Riley Kelly all had hits for Joplin, which left four runners on base.

Krans had two hits, scored twice and drove in a run, while Sweaney had a hit, scored a run and drove in one. Simpson finished with a hit, drove in two and scored a run.

Joplin hosts Glendale on Monday in the final home game of the regular season.

 

OZARK 12, CARL JUNCTION 0

CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — Ozark scored nine runs in the first three innings and limited Carl Junction to one hit in a six-inning Central Ozark Conference win over the Bulldogs on Thursday.

The Tigers plated two runs in the first before a six-run second inning and added a third run in the third frame to go up 9-0. Ozark added three insurance runs in the sixth inning.

Jordyn Foley earned the win after allowing one hit over four scoreless innings, striking out 10.

Hannah Cole took the loss after allowing 12 runs, five earned, on 17 hits in six innings.

Morgan had three hits, including a pair of doubles, and three RBI to lead Ozark. Foley added two hits and an RBI.

Hannah Cantrell had the lone hit for Carl Junction.

Carl Junction takes part in the Springfield Invitational with games against Lee’s Summit North and Camdenton on Friday.

VOLLEYBALL: Webb City drops COC showdown to Nixa

Posted on by Jason Peake

WEBB CITY, Mo. — Webb City was unable to hold on to the momentum after an opening-set victory, as Nixa rallied for a 3-1 win over the Cardinals in a key Central Ozark Conference volleyball showdown on Thursday night inside the Cardinal Dome.

The Eagles defeated the Cardinals 23-25, 25-14, 25-16, 25-23.

Webb City coach Rhonda Lawrence noted the intense matchup against the talented Eagles will only benefit her team going forward.

“We hadn’t seen anybody with Nixa’s talent level this season, but we still competed hard,” Lawrence said. “I have no problem with our effort. We just weren’t used to Nixa’s high level. But we were right there with them. I thought we did a lot of great things tonight. This was obviously a big game, and when you lose to a great team, you’re only going to learn from it. It was a good learning experience. Tonight is going to make us better.” 

Nixa improved to 14-3 overall and 4-0 in conference action, while Webb City fell to 20-3-1 overall and 3-1 in the COC. 

Webb City senior setter Kyah Sanborn passes to a teammate during Thursday’s match against Nixa. Photo by Israel Perez.

The opening set featured eight ties, with the final deadlocked score coming at 17-17. Playing in front of a raucous student section, Webb City gained the momentum late in the first set.

A setter dump by Kyah Sanborn gave the Cardinals a 20-18 lead. Moments later, kills from Kate Brownfield and Aubree Lassiter gave Webb City a 24-21 advantage.

Nixa’s Norah Clark slammed a kill at the net before the Cardinals committed an attack error, making it 24-23 in favor of the hosts. On the next play, the Eagles committed a hitting error, giving the Cardinals the first set.

“I was super happy with the first set,” Lawrence said. “We played aggressively. And I thought we played hard and I thought we played smart.”

The second set was tied at 11 when Nixa gained all of the momentum. The Eagles rattled off nine straight points and never looked back.

“In the second set, we let them be more of the aggressor and we started making unforced errors,” Lawrence said. “We didn’t stay aggressive. I thought we got hesitant in the second set and just didn’t play as smart as we could have.”

Nixa kept the momentum in the third set, as the Eagles led 10-4 and 20-12 en route to taking a 2-1 lead.

The Cardinals responded well in the fourth set, as the hosts definitely made the Eagles earn the match victory.

The fourth set was deadlocked at 16 after a kill from Sanborn, but the Eagles took the lead for good by going on a 4-1 run.

A kill from Brenda Lawrence, an ace from Sanborn and a block at the net by Lassiter kept the Cardinals within striking distance. But Nixa’s Hillary Estes and Jewell Bray both recorded kills to give the Eagles a 23-21 cushion.

Webb City’s Jaeli Rutledge and Nixa’s Chloe Judd traded kills at the net before an Eagle service error allowed the hosts to pull within one at 24-23 before Nixa’s Clark hammered home a match-ending kill.

“We started doing a lot of good things in the fourth set,” Coach Lawrence noted. “We have the talent to do that. It just has to be an all the time thing.”

A junior outside hitter/middle blocker, Lassiter led the Cardinals with 10 kills. A pair of senior outside hitters, Lawrence and Brownfield contributed nine kills apiece. Brownfield also had 10 digs.

A 6-foot freshman, Rutledge added eight kills. 

A senior setter, Sanborn handed out 30 assists to go along with nine digs, while junior libero Sophia Crane had a team-high 21 digs.

Webb City hosts Neosho on Tuesday.

 

 

Webb City’s Brenda Lawrence hits a kill at the net against Nixa on Thursday night. Photo by Israel Perez.

 

Sophia Crane is pictured during Thursday’s match against Nixa inside the Cardinal Dome.

 

Kate Brownfield hits at the net during Thursday’s match against Nixa inside the Cardinal Dome. Photos by Israel Perez.

 

BOYS SOCCER: Neosho remains undefeated with win over Mac County

Posted on by Jason Peake

ANDERSON, Mo. — The Neosho Wildcats kept their record perfect by earning a 2-0 victory at McDonald County on Wednesday night. 

Both of Neosho’s goals came in the first half. 

Fabiani Ohajaca scored both of Neosho’s goals, the first on a shot just outside the box and the second on a corner kick from Byron Gomez to the back post.

Bailey Motley made four saves. 

Neosho (7-0) is at the Willard Fall Classic this weekend.

McDonald County (4-7) hosts Cassville on Tuesday.

 

GIRLS TENNIS: Joplin’s Watts wins conference singles crown

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — For the third straight season, Emma Watts is a conference champion.

Joplin’s Emma Watts

A senior at Joplin High School, Watts won the No. 1 singles bracket at the Central Ozark Conference Tournament on Wednesday at the Cooper Tennis Complex.

Watts won conference titles in doubles with Astrid Cardenas as a junior and as a sophomore. 

On Wednesday, Watts went 3-0 at No. 1 singles. 

Watts defeated Republic 8-2, Nixa 8-1 and Ozark 8-3. Watts is now 19-6 in singles matches. 

At No. 2 singles, Joplin’s Brynn Driver went 0-2, suffering a 9-7 loss to Willard and dropping a 6-1 decision to Ozark.

Joplin’s No. 1 doubles team of Mya Ndedi Ntepe and Jensen Vowels went 1-2. 

The Eagles suffered an 8-6 loss to Willard, defeated Neosho’s Keely Keeton-Emma VanDorn 6-0 and then lost to Ozark 6-3 in the consolation finals.

Joplin’s No. 2 doubles team of Alex Carson and Bonnie Smith also lost in the consolation finals. 

The Eagles defeated Neosho’s Abigail Coutu-Mia Robbins 6-1 and then lost to Republic 6-1. Carson-Smith earned wins over Carthage (6-2) and Webb City (6-0) before falling 6-2 to Carl Junction.

 

NEOSHO RESULTS

Neosho’s Claudia Martensen went 1-2 at No. 1 singles. 

Martensen defeated Willard’s Ana Chunn 7-5. Branson’s Andrea Fuentes defeated Martensen 8-1 and Carthage’s Katie Barton beat Martensen 6-3.

At No. 2 singles, Lyndsey Doke went 0-2. Ozark’s Shaeley Combs defeated Doke 6-2 and Republic’s Woodward topped Doke 6-1.

At No. 1 doubles, Keeton and VanDorn went 1-2. 

They lost to Ozark’s Jadyn Dalton-Makenna Whitfield 6-2, defeated Republic’s Matilyn Carpenter-Lilly Carlo 6-4 and then lost to Joplin’s Vowels-Ndedi Ntepe 6-0.

Coutu-Robbins went 0-2 at No. 2 doubles. The Wildcats lost 6-1 to Joplin’s Smith-Carson and then fell 6-1 to Willard’s Jacey Wilson-Katelyn Long.

 

NOTE: Full results of the COC Tournament were unavailable at the time of publication. Nixa was this year’s COC team champion. District tournaments await local tennis players. 

 

CROSS COUNTRY: McAuley Catholic squads continue to improve

Posted on by Jason Peake

The McAuley Catholic boys cross country team continues to make positive strides.

That was the assessment of Warriors coach Andy Youngworth after his squad competed at the Lamar Invitational on Tuesday at the Lamar Country Club.

“We have been without our top two runners the last couple of meets and it was good to have Phillip Motazedi back,” Youngworth said. “We ran at Rim Rock Farm at KU last Saturday, so we used this meet to try to pack up as long as possible and pull our younger runners through the meet. I was extremely pleased with our efforts and our goal was achieved…less than a minute from our No. 1 runner to our No. 5 runner.”

On Tuesday, McAuley freshman Trae Veer finished 42nd with a time of 19:29, while senior Joe Staton took 44th in 19:30.

Also competing for the Warriors were Phillip Motazedi (48th), Alex Bohachick (57th), Drew Zeb (58th), Connor Taffner (65th), Kable Reichardt (88th), Cliff Nolan (96th) and Grant Horinek (97th). 

“Freshmen Alex Bohachick and Connor Taffner had their best races as high school runners and gained a lot of confidence,” Youngworth noted. “Freshman Trae Veer continues to impress.”

There were 133 runners in the boys race, with 18 full squads. McAuley finished ninth in the team standings.

The Warriors were once again without Michael Parrigon, who has been the team’s No. 1 runner this fall. 

Youngworth noted he’s been pleased with the progress the team has made thus far. 

“Our kids have done a great job dealing with not having our top two runners competing and have shown maturity in how they have handled the adversity,” Youngworth said. “Our seniors, Phillip Motazedi, Joe Staton, Drew Zeb and Kable Reichardt, continue to show great leadership and improved efforts over last year.”

In Tuesday’s girls race, McAuley’s Kendall Ramsey finished ninth with a time of 22:19.

“Kendall Ramsey ran a great race, running a course best,” Youngworth said. “She was in the top five towards the end but just couldn’t hold off her competitors.”

Also competing for the McAuley girls were Marbellie Villanueva (65th), Samantha Perrin (75th) and Miriam Kramer (86th). 

“Due to conflicts, we have not been able to run a girls team yet,” Youngworth said. “Marbellie ran her second race of the year and continues to show improvements. Sam Perrin rebounded from a tough meet at East Newton and handled the heat.” 

There were 97 runners in the girls race, with 12 full teams. 

After competing at both Rim Rock Farm and Lamar in a matter of four days, the Warriors will next compete at the Cassville Invitational next Tuesday, Oct. 4. McAuley will compete at the Clever Invitational on Oct. 13 before the Ozark 7 Conference Meet arrives on Oct. 21.

 

FULL RESULTS: 14th Annual Lamar Tiger’s Cross-Country Invitational 2022 – Meet Results (milesplit.com)

VOLLEYBALL ROUNDUP: Webb City sweeps Carthage; CJ Sweeps Neosho; TJ, McAuley and Seneca earn wins; CHC falls in five

Posted on by Lucas Davis

WEBB CITY SWEEPS CARTHAGE

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Webb City hit the road and earned a 25-19, 25-9 and 25-18 win over Webb City in Central Ozark Conference action on Tuesday. 

With the win, Webb City earns its 20th victory of the season and improves to 20-2-1, 3— 0 COC.

Aubree Lassiter and Brenda Lawrence each had 13 kills to lead the Cardinals, with Lawrence adding six digs and Lassiter finishing with five digs, two blocks and four aces. Jaeli Rutledge had seven kills, four blocks and six digs. Kyah Sanborn had a team-high 32 assists to go along with eight digs and two dills. Sophia Crane had 14 digs and Kate Brownfield, who also had three kills and a block, had 10 digs to lead Webb City defensively.

Webb City hosts Nixa on Thursday.

 

CARL JUNCTION SWEEPS NEOSHO

NEOSHO, Mo. — Carl Junction earned a Central Ozark Conference win after sweeping Neosho 25-20, 25-15 and 25-21 on Tuesday.

Carl Junction improves to 12-7-1 with the win.

Destiney Buerge had 13 kills and nine digs to lead the Bulldogs, while Kylie Scott finished with nine kills and eight digs. Aubreigh Fowler had seven kills and three blocks, while Lo Jones added 37 assists, six aces and two blocks.

The Bulldogs host Republic on Thursday.

 

THOMAS JEFFERSON DEFEATS EVERTON

Thomas Jefferson hosted Everton and earned a 25-11, 25-13 and 25-7 on Tuesday.

Mary Nguyen had 13 assists, two digs, two kills and two aces, while Nico Carlson finished with 13 kills, three rigs, three assists and an ace. Gabbi Hiebert had nine kills and six assists, with Lannah Grigg adding four kills, three digs, an ace and an assist. Macie Shifferd had five kills, four aces and three assists, with Alexis Stamps added six aces to along with two digs and two kills.

Thomas Jefferson hosts College Heights on Thursday.

 

MCAULEY DEFEATS WHEATON IN FIVE SETS

McAuley earned a 25-18, 13-25, 25-23, 22-25 and 15-12 win over Wheaton in Ozark 7 action on Tuesday. 

“Wheaton was a really good passing team, so we struggled to get the ball down,” McAuley coach Sarah Nangle said. “We also had to adjust our defense because they tipped a lot.”

The win improves McAuley to a 17-10-2 record.

Kloee Williamson and Lily Black each had 12 kills and eight assists for the Warriors. JoJo Wheeler finished with 15 digs, while Jadyn LaFerla had five blocks. 

McAuley is at Verona on Thursday.

 

SENECA DEFEATS CASSVILLE

CASSVILLE, Mo. — Seneca found little resistance in a 25-16, 25-16 and 25-8 win over Cassville on Tuesday.

With the win, the Indians improve to 10-5-1, 2-0 in conference play.

Brylee Sage had 27 assists and four digs for Seneca, while Parker Long added 11 kills, six digs and three aces. Jera Jameson had 12 kills and a block, while Braxton Raulston added six kills. Ella Graham had eight digs and Tatum White chipped in three aces.

Seneca hosts Nevada on Thursday.

 

COLLEGE HEIGHTS FALLS TO EAST NEWTON IN FIVE SETS

College Heights took the first two sets before East Newton rallies with the final three in a 22-25, 17-25, 25-21, 25-23 and 15-13 win over the Cougars on Tuesday.

College Heights falls to 15-5-1 on the season.

Maddy Colin had 43 assists and six aces for CHC, while Lauren Ukena had 25 kills and 25 digs. Lindsay Griesemer added 12 kills, 20 digs and 15 service points, seven of which were aces. Ava Masena finished with a team-high 40 digs.

College Heights is at Thomas Jefferson on Thursday.

BOYS SOCCER: Reyes’ late goal lifts Joplin past Webb City

Posted on by Jason Peake

WEBB CITY, Mo. — Luciano Reyes recorded the game-winning goal in the 78th minute to lift the Joplin Eagles to a 4-3 victory over Webb City on Tuesday night in boys soccer action at Cardinal Stadium. 

Joplin received early goals from Azziel Palma and Reyes to take a 2-0 lead. Palma scored in the third minute, while Reyes recorded a goal in the eighth minute, with Adam Montanez assisting.

Webb City’s Alex Flores scored in the 27th minute and teammate Luis Gallardo recorded the game-tying goal in the 31st minute, with Joe Wermuth getting the assist.

Flores’ second goal, which came in the 33rd minute, gave the Cardinals a 3-2 lead.

Joplin’s Palma recorded an equalizer in the 45th minute, with the assist going to Ely Montanez.

Reyes scored the go-ahead goal with just two minutes remaining in regulation, with Luis Alvarado assisting on the play.

Joplin’s Andrew Jordan made five saves, while Webb City’s Connor Black was credited with eight saves. 

The Eagles had eight corner kicks, while the Cardinals had one.

Joplin (9-4) hosts Carthage on Oct. 4. Webb City is at the Willard Fall Classic this weekend.

 

BOYS SOCCER: Carthage routs Carl Junction in conference match

Posted on by Jason Peake

CARTHAGE, Mo. — The Carthage Tigers scored two goals within the first 6 minutes, 17 seconds of their Central Ozark Conference match against Carl Junction on Tuesday at David Haffner Stadium.

Carthage dominated in both overall possession and overall shots, but the goals did not start coming in bulk for the Tigers until late in the second half.

Carthage scored four goals in over five minutes and the Tigers’ eighth goal punctuated an 8-0 victory over the Bulldogs with 4:45 remaining.

Carthage’s Danilo Lopez is pictured during Tuesday’s match with Carl Junction. All photos by Israel Perez.

“It was 3-0 when we hit our fifth post,” Carthage coach Jacob Osborne said. “We had more post hits than goals at that point.

“Finally, instead of blasting it into the back of the net, they got their head up and just picked corners, which is what we’ve been talking about. It’s hard to get through sometimes, they think that the blasts, the hard-hit goals, the highlight goals, are the ones they want. Just put it in the back of the net, that’s what we’ve been focusing on in practice.

“They had one shot and we had 41. It took us a while to get there.”

Carthage possessed the ball for 73 percent of the match Tuesday night.

Seven different Carthage players scored goals during the 8-0 win: Aldo Sanchez netted two goals and Welle Welle, George Laytham, Henry Hernandez, Eric Garcia, Silas Laytham, and Jorge Lopez scored one each.

Carthage improved to 9-2 overall and 4-1 COC, and the Tigers bring four straight wins into their match on Friday against Capital City in the Kickapoo Shootout.

The Tigers are entering the portion of their schedule where the matches are going to significantly increase their strength of schedule.

“We have a very difficult stretch coming up,” Osborne said. “We’re excited for it. Friday and Saturday, we play at Kickapoo, and we play Capital City on Friday and Lee’s Summit West on Saturday. That’s a new district opponent for us, and they’re always one of the top teams in the state. That will be a tough matchup.

“Next week will be another tough week. Tuesday, we play Joplin. Thursday, we play Kickapoo and then Friday and Saturday, we’re going up to Kansas City to play St. Michael’s and Ladue from St. Louis.

“We’re sitting pretty good, but I’m ready to play some games where we’re going to be pushed more because so far this year we haven’t been pushed much. We’re going to get those games now. We’re going to take some bumps with it, but hopefully it makes us stronger and gets us ready for districts.”

Carl Junction, 4-9 overall and 1-4 COC, plays next Friday and Saturday in the Laker Shootout in Camdenton with matches against Hannibal on Friday to close out September and Camdenton and Hillsboro on Saturday to open in October.

 

Carl Junction’s Gavin Cowger controls the ball during Tuesday’s match with Carthage.

 

Carthage’s Anderson Reyes is pictured during Tuesday’s match with Carl Junction at David Haffner Stadium. Photo by Israel Perez.

 

Carthage’s Silas Laytham is pictured during Tuesday’s match with Carl Junction.

SOFTBALL: Carthage’s bats come alive late against Carl Junction

Posted on by Lucas Davis

CARTHAGE, Mo. — The Carthage Tigers rallied from a 6-2 deficit with five runs in the fifth inning and one in the sixth for an 8-6 win over their Central Ozark Conference rival Carl Junction on Tuesday in the Fair Acres Sports Complex.

“Monday night (against Nevada), we came out early in the first inning and scored four,” Carthage coach Stephanie Ray said. “Tonight, we did start a little slow and once we got finally got it going and even though we only scored two in that inning (third), they were solid hits. We started scoring and hitting the ball hard. We even hit some shots they made good plays on, especially their center fielder (Ryleigh Palmer), and we could have scored more runs.”

After two relatively quiet innings, Carthage started the ball rolling in the third against Carl Junction freshman pitcher Kylie Spencer with a pair of runs on four hits.

Carl Junction extended the lead to 6-2 in the next half-inning, highlighted by Sammie Sims’ two-run single.

Lexa Youngblood hustled for a double in the fifth and then the Tigers did their scoreboard damage all with two outs. Ashlynn Jackson hit an RBI single, Shelby Hegwer a RBI double, Addison Wallace a RBI single, and Jenna Calhoon a RBI single.

Hegwer’s RBI single in the sixth provided more than enough insurance for the sophomore Wallace, who earned the win behind 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief after starter Jackson departed in the Carl Junction fourth.

Jackson and Calhoon each led Carthage with three hits, Hegwer and Ashlyn Brust each added two, and Youngblood, Alexis Smith, Brooklynn Dolon-Main and Wallace rounded out Carthage’s 14-hit attack with one each.

Hegwer, Jackson, and Youngblood each doubled and Hegwer and Wallace each drove in two runs, while Jackson scored two runs.

Wallace allowed two hits and struck out seven and walked none.

Carthage honored seniors Landry Cochran, Jackson and Avery Smith in a Senior Night ceremony after the win.

“Landry’s been a four-year starter,” Ray said. “She has definitely been key in our outfield for the last four years. She’s a great leader.

“Ashlynn, in the last couple years, has got her opportunity some in the outfield, some on the mound, and this year she was able to go out and own that role. She’s been our starting pitcher every day. She’s been huge out there, kept us in a lot of ballgames, and gave us a lot of opportunities.

“Avery’s been a player, she came on as a sophomore and she’s been on the team the last three years. She’s been that role player, and a super great kid for us.”

Carthage, 14-12 overall and 3-4 COC, returns home Thursday for a contest against conference and district foe Republic.

Sims sparked Carl Junction with three hits and three RBI Tuesday and Hannah Cantrell added three hits and two runs scored, while Maddie Olds had two hits and two RBI.

Sims, Cantrell, and Olds each stole two bases.

The Bulldogs hurt themselves with four errors, three of which allowed Carthage runners to reach, but freshman center fielder Palmer made a catch to deny Carthage more damage.

Carl Junction, 7-11 overall and 1-6 COC, returns home on Thursday for a conference game against Ozark.

GIRLS TENNIS ROUNDUP: Joplin beats Webb City, Carthage sweeps Neosho, Thomas Jefferson improves to 11-0

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

JOPLIN 7, WEBB CITY 2

The final date of the regular season went well for the Joplin High School girls tennis team.

Joplin won five of six singles matches and two of three doubles contests against the Cardinals at the JHS athletic complex.

In No. 1 doubles action, Joplin’s Emma Watts and Brynn Driver defeated Kinzlea Smith and Ally Ansley 8-1.

Joplin’s No. 2 doubles team of Jensen Vowels and Mya Ndedi Ntepe beat Ayla McDonald and Brynlee Hollingsworth 8-1.

Webb City won the No. 3 doubles match, as Averey Terry and Avery Brown defeated Alex Carson and Bonnie Smith 8-4.

In singles action, Watts defeated Smith 8-1 and Vowels beat Ansley 8-1.

Ndedi Ntepe edged McDonald 8-6 at No. 3 singles. 

In other singles matches, Joplin’s Driver defeated Hollingsworth 8-3 and Carson beat Terry 8-2. Webb City’s Brown defeated Smith 8-3 at No. 6 singles.

Next, Joplin suffered an 8-1 loss to Nixa on Monday.

Watts defeated Arabella Cosgrove 8-5 at No. 1 singles for Joplin’s lone win.

Joplin finished the regular season with a 9-12 record, with a 4-5 mark in the always-tough COC. 

The Central Ozark Conference Tournament is slated for Wednesday in Springfield. The action will begin at 10 a.m. at the Cooper Tennis Complex. 

 

CARTHAGE 9, NEOSHO 0

CARTHAGE, Mo. — The Carthage Tigers earned a clean sweep over the Neosho Wildcats in the regular season finale for both teams. 

At No. 1 singles, Carthage’s Kianna Yates defeated Claudia Martensen 8-2, while Daniela Marquez beat Lyndsey Doke 8-0 at No. 2 singles.

In other singles action, Carthage’s Katie Barton defeated Georgia Housh 8-2, Beverly Garcia-Hernandez topped Keely Keeton 8-4, Abigail Samuel beat Sydnee Minton 8-0 and Mireya Mendez-Lopez handled Claire Burghart 8-0.

In doubles, Carthage’s Yates-Marquez defeated Martensen-Keeton 8-0, Barton-Samuel beat Doke-Housh 8-1 and Garcia-Hernandez and Mendez-Lopez topped Minton-Burghart 8-1.

The Central Ozark Conference Tournament is scheduled for Wednesday in Springfield. The action begins at 10 a.m. at the Cooper Tennis Complex. 

 

THOMAS JEFFERSON 9, LAMAR 0

Thomas Jefferson concluded a stellar regular season by earning a clean sweep over the visiting Tigers.

The Cavaliers kept their record perfect, as they are now 11-0 in dual matches this fall.

In singles, Allison Ding defeated Cora Pittsenbarger 8-4, Jeanna Jeyaraj beat Kiersten Kinney 8-2, Kyla Yang topped Veronica Ogden 8-2, Warda Morsy handled Chelsey O’Sullivan 8-2, Jessica Joseph defeated Erica McCaslin 8-2 and Mayson Solum beat Elliana Griffith 8-0.

In doubles, Ding-Jeyaraj defeated Pittsenbarger-O’Sullivan 8-0, while Yang-Solum beat Kinney-Ogden 8-3 and Morsy-Joseph defeated McCaslin-Griffith 8-3.

Thomas Jefferson is the host for the individual Class 1 District 10 tournament. The action begins at 9 a.m. on Friday.

SOFTBALL: Webb City falls short at Ozark 

Posted on by Jason Peake

OZARK, Mo. — The Webb City Cardinals were unable to hand Ozark its first conference loss.

Ozark improved to 17-7 overall and 7-0 in the Central Ozark Conference with a 9-0 win over Webb City on Tuesday.

Webb City slipped to 12-13 overall and 4-3 in conference action. 

Ozark took advantage of three Webb City errors to score two runs in the third inning.

The Tigers added a single tally in the fourth on Natalie Morgan’s RBI single into left. 

A two-run single by Brooklyn Hasler and an RBI single off the bat of Kelsie Batey made it 6-0 in the fifth.

The Tigers pushed across three more runs in the sixth for a nine-run cushion. 

Ozark’s Jordyn Foley was the winning pitcher. She allowed just three hits and struck out 13 in the complete-game victory. 

Offensively, the Cardinals were limited to a triple by Liz Rhuems and singles from Jensyn Pickett and Kenzie Wynn.

Laney Taylor was charged with the loss. However, she allowed no earned runs in four innings while scattering four hits. Karsyn Cahoon gave up four earned runs on seven hits in two innings.

Webb City made six costly errors in the field. 

Webb City hosts Branson at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.

SOFTBALL: Neosho holds off Joplin for 9-8 win in COC action

Posted on by Lucas Davis

Neosho took advantage of several Joplin miscues to build an early lead and added on insurance in four of the last five innings while holding off the Eagles for a 9-8 win in Central Ozark Conference action on Tuesday at the JHS Athletic Complex.

Neosho catch McKaylie Forrest drives in a run during the Wildcats’ win over Joplin on Tuesday. Photo by Shawn Fowler.

Joplin (20-8, 4-3 COC) committed three errors in the first inning that led to four Neosho runs crossing the plate. The Wildcats (18-4, 5-2 COC) ultimately built an 8-0 lead midway through the fifth inning before the Eagles answered with five runs in the last of the fifth frame and three more runs in the sixth to cut the deficit to one run. Joplin got the tying run on base in the seventh before the Wildcats closed the door on the win.

“This was a big win,” Neosho coach Catie Cummins said. “We knew this was going to be a tough game. I was really pleased with scoring early and often. We kind of relish being the visiting team because we like to score first. We get a little bit of a cushion and it makes the game feel a lot more in control. It felt like we lost control there for a second, but we never actually lost the lead. … Our hitters, that was the best bunting I’ve ever seen from a team that I’ve coached. That was the difference in the game.”

“You can’t give up those runs in the first inning, obviously,” Joplin coach Brenden Schneider said. “The errors hurt us. I think we had five or six today. That is tough to deal with. Even with that, we were still in a position to win at the end. That is a credit to this group because they have no quit and refuse to go away. These girls do such a good job of just finding a way.”

IN THE CIRCLE

Olivia Emery earned the win and the save for Neosho after starting and allowing four runs, three earned, over 5 1/3 innings on nine hits, a walk and four strikeouts before leaving and re-entering to get the final three outs in the seventh inning.

“Olivia did a good job,” Cummins said. “She doesn’t pitch like a freshman. She pitches like a veteran. She doesn’t let a whole lot flap her.”

Jill McDaniel took the loss for Joplin after allowing nine runs, four earned, on nine hits, four walks and nine strikeouts over seven innings of work.

GAME ACTION

Joplin’s Bailey Ledford beats out a single as Neosho’s Maelynn Garrett stretches for the ball in the Wildcats’ win over the Eagles on Tuesday. Photo by Shawn Fowler.

Neosho started fast, pushing across four runs in the top of the first inning to take control of the contest. Autumn Kinnaird led off the inning with a single before coming around to score on a throwing error two batters later for the first run of the inning. Two more runs came home on errors by the Eagles before a fourth run scored on a wild pitch. 

“It sets the tone,” Cummins said of the four-run first inning. “And that is what we want to do. Set the tone early, let (the other team) know we are here, we are going to score runs and do it often. We did that today.”

Neosho added insurance to the lead with an RBI groundout from McKaylie Forrest in the third inning before Beclynn Garrett added a two-out RBI single through the left side in the fourth inning to give the Wildcats a 6-0 advantage.

The Wildcats made it three straight innings with a run touching the plate as in the fifth inning. Carleigh Kinnaird reached on a dropped third strike before Forrest bunted and reached when the throw from third sailed up the right field line, allowing Kinnaird to score in the process. Grace Johnson added an RBI on a sac bunt later in the frame to make the score to 8-0. 

Neosho’s Beclynn Garrett throws to first base to record an out in the Wildcats’ win over Joplin on Tuesday. Photo by Shawn Fowler.

“When we score like that, everybody has confidence at the plate and they all think they are going to get on base no matter what I ask them to do,” Cummins said. “That translated. If you score runs in five innings, you should win that game.”

Joplin got on the board in the bottom of the fifth inning when Bailey Ledford hit a ball down the left field line that got into the corner with a runner on for a two-run inside-the-park home run. Abby Lowery followed with an old-fashioned long ball, ripping a line drive over the wall in center field for a solo home run to cut the lead to five, 8-3. A fourth run came home in the bottom of the fifth on a wild pitch before a sac fly from Kirsten McMillen with one out trimmed the Eagles’ deficit to 8-5.

“The amount of momentum that swung in that inning was huge,” Schneider said of his team’s ability to climb back from an eight-run deficit. “All this team needs is a little spark and they can build a really big fire. … That is a credit to our dugout as well because they are always active and involved in the game. They pick each other up perfectly and you couldn’t ask for a better group.”

Joplin’s Jill McDaniel loads to throw to first after fielding a bunt in the Eagles’ loss to Neosho on Tuesday. Photo by Shawn Fowler.

Neosho got a run back in the top of the sixth, scoring in the fourth straight inning, when Forrest singled to center with a runner in scoring position for a 9-5 lead.

“That was the storyline of the game for us,” Schneider said. “We just weren’t able to get it done on the defensive side. We were making errors and giving up runs, or they were making it happen—however you want to say it.”

Lowery came through again for the Eagles in the bottom of the sixth inning, lining a double to left-center to drive home a pair of runs to cut the lead to 9-7. A third run came home on a ground ball off the bat of Riley Kelly to trim the lead to one.

“Abby has been a heck of a player for us all year,” Schneider said. “She is a heck of a kid and does a great job. I think a big reason for that is that she has fun and she is a very smart hitter. She communicates and asks good questions. That is what you want to see from a sophomore center fielder. We are very blessed that we get to have her for two more years, and she is going to have a fantastic career if she continues to progress the way she is.”

AT THE PLATE

Beclynn Garrett led Neosho with three hits, two runs scored and an RBI, while Forrest had a hit, two RBI and scored a run. Carleigh Kinnaird and Grace Johnson also recorded hits and scored a run each.

Ledford, Lowery and Jadyn Pankow each had two hits for Joplin. Lowery, who doubled and homered, led the team with three RBI and scored twice, while Ledford, who also homered, had two runs scored and drove in two. Kelly also had a hit, scored a run and finished with an RBI.

ON DECK

Neosho hosts Willard on Wednesday.

Joplin hosts Nixa on Thursday.

BOYS SOCCER: Sitton’s hat trick leads College Heights past Aurora

Posted on by Jason Peake

Bo Sitton recorded a hat trick as the College Heights Christian School boys soccer team defeated Aurora 5-2 on Tuesday night.

The Cougars improved to 7-3 on the season.

Corban Thomas scored CHC’s first goal in the 11th minute, with Sitton assisting on the play.

Sitton scored in the 15th minute, with Hudson Clevenger getting the assist.

Sitton scored his second goal of the game in the 35th minute, with Clevenger once again assisting.

Thomas scored an unassisted goal in the 36th minute for CHC’s fourth goal.

Sitton’s third goal came in the 64th minute and was assisted by Adam Stanton.

College Heights hosts Cassville on Thursday. 

 

CROSS COUNTRY: TJ’s Atteberry, CHC’s Johnson lead area athletes at Lamar invite 

Posted on by Jason Peake

LAMAR, Mo. — Thomas Jefferson’s Kip Atteberry finished third in the boys race at the 14th annual Lamar Invitational on Tuesday at the Lamar Country Club.

A senior, Atteberry toured the 5K course in 17 minutes, 11 seconds.

Monett’s Julio Cruz took first in 16:47 and St. Michael the Archangel’s Johnny Joyce took second in 17:00.

Lamar’s duo of Pierce Heins and Blaine Breshears finished eighth and ninth, with teammate Cameron Bailey 13th.

Cassville’s Caleb Leach took 14th and Monett’s Victor Salas was 15th.

Thomas Jefferson’s London Rodriguez finished 22nd, McAuley Catholic’s Trae Veer finished 42nd and teammate Joe Staton was 44th. 

McAuley’s Phillip Motazedi finished 48th, College Heights Christian’s Colton McMillan took 53rd and Thomas Jefferson’s Braden Honeywell-Lynch was 55th.

St. Michael the Archangel won the team crown with 70 points and Stockton was second with 82 points. 

 

JOHNSON, RAMSEY LEAD AREA AT LAMAR

College Heights Christian’s Jayli Johnson finished fifth and McAuley Catholic’s Kendall Ramsey was ninth in the girls race at the 14th annual Lamar Invitational on Tuesday at the Lamar Country Club.

A senior, Johnson crossed the finish line at 22:02. A junior, Ramsey finished in 22:19. 

El Dorado Springs was the girls team champion with 40 points, while College Heights took second with 72. 

Also for the College Heights girls, Marla Anderegg and Jesalin Bever finished 16th and 17th, Madi Carson was 30th and Madelynn Jordan finished 45th.

St. Michael the Archangel’s Elsa Henry won the race in 20:08. Lamar’s Kiersten Potter was the runner-up in 21:16. 

Nevada’s Avery Morris took seventh in 22:08 and Mount Vernon’s Rylee Simons finished 10th in 22:26. Monett’s Sadie Camp and Mary Jastal finished 18th and 19th. 

Thomas Jefferson’s Sarah Mueller finished 49th, Seneca’s Dalisia Reed was 53rd and McAuley’s Marbellie Villanueva was 65th.

 

FULL RESULTS: https://mo.milesplit.com/meets/487025-14th-annual-lamar-tigers-cross-country-invitational-2022/results

GIRLS GOLF: Joplin ends stellar regular season with third place finish at home invite

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

A stellar regular season has concluded for the Joplin High School girls golf team.

The Eagles finished third in the team standings at their own Lady Eagle Invitational on Tuesday afternoon at Schifferdecker Golf Course.

“We had a full field and a lot of tough competition today,” Joplin coach Shannon Neill said. “It was good to see some of the teams we’ll see at districts. Our girls played well. The course was in great shape with really fast greens. It was a perfect day for playing.”

Lee’s Summit West won the invite with a four-person score of 380, while Kickapoo was second with a 383. Joplin finished third with a 406, while Ozark (417) and Carl Junction (423) rounded out the top five teams. 

There were 11 full squads in attendance and two incomplete teams. 

Ozark’s Josey Roberts was the individual medalist with a 6-over-par 77.

Lee’s Summit West’s Brylie Ellis took second with an 84, Cassville’s Avery Chappell was third with an 85, Kickapoo’s Sarah Jane Trotman took fourth with an 88 and Lee’s Summit North’s Hannah Keisker finished fifth with an 89. 

Carthage’s Shay Gaddis and Lee’s Summit West’s Emma Cole tied for sixth place with identical scores of 93. Carl Junction’s Jasmine Woerner and Lee’s Summit West’s Laura Mayo both carded 97 and tied for eighth place.

Six golfers tied for 10th place with scores of 98—Joplin’s Lindsey Belnap and Kenna Haley, Webb City’s Jacie Crouch, Monett’s Katie Geiss and Kickapoo’s Hannah Pile and Ellie Guthrie.

Joplin’s Drew Yockey finished 18th with a 101, while McDonald County’s duo of Fayth Ogden and Kyla Moore tied for 20th with scores of 104.

Carl Junction’s Olivia Teeter tied for 22nd with a 106, while Seneca’s Madison Auman and CJ’s Anna Burch tied for 25th with scores of 108.

Joplin’s Taylor Colson finished 27th, while Seneca’s Madison Collinsworth and Joplin’s Chloe Friend tied for 28th.

Carl Junction’s Alex Teeter and Rylee Sprague, Webb City’s Langlee Walker and Avry Hodson and Monett’s Claire Nation all tied for 30th. 

Tuesday’s tourney was the final outing of the regular season.

It’s been a season to remember for the Joplin Eagles, who won four tournaments and took second at another this fall before Tuesday’s third place showing.

Joplin captured tourney titles at Nevada, Carthage, Carl Junction and Cassville this season. The Eagles took second at the first Lady Eagle Invitational back in August.

“Our girls have had a great season,” Neill said. “They are continually improving. And I think they’re coming together at the right time of the season. I think it’s safe to say this is the best season a Joplin girls golf team has had in a while. It’s been exciting for me and it’s been exciting for the girls. And I know the girls are excited to see how they do at COC on Monday and districts next Thursday.”

The Central Ozark Conference tournament will be held on Monday at Horton Smith in Springfield.

Joplin will be the host school for the Class 4 District 3 tournament on Thursday, Oct. 6 at Schifferdecker. The district also features the likes of Kickapoo, Lee’s Summit West, Springfield Catholic, Ozark, Nixa, Republic, Lee’s Summit and Raymore-Peculiar.  

“Our district is always tough,” Neill said. “We’re hosting the district tournament here, so that should give our girls some confidence. We’re hoping for a great day. We’ll see what happens next week.” 

 

Lady Eagle Invitational

Team standings: Lee’s Summit West 380, Kickapoo 383, Joplin 406, Ozark 417, Carl Junction 423, Lee’s Summit North 424, Webb City 437, McDonald County 448, Seneca 471, Monett 473, Joplin B 491. Incomplete teams: Carthage, Cassville.  

 

FULL RESULTS: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/8866756822652964548

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