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SOFTBALL: All-Central Ozark Conference Team released for ’23 season

Posted on by Jason Peake

Below is the All-Central Ozark Conference Softball Team for 2023.

Neosho junior pitcher Carleigh Kinnaird has been named the COC Player of the Year.

 

ALL-COC SOFTBALL TEAM

Player of the Year: Carleigh Kinnaird, Neosho 

 

FIRST TEAM

Jerzi Yacko, Branson (Jr.)

Brooklynn Dolon-Main, Carthage (Sr.)

Bailey Ledford, Joplin (Sr.) 

Beclynn Garrett, Neosho (Jr.)

Carleigh Kinnaird, Neosho (Jr.)

Rylee Harper, Nixa (Jr.) 

Natalie Morgan, Ozark (Jr.)

Audrey Carlton, Ozark (Jr.)

Piper Dishman, Republic (Soph.)

Alex Maturino, Webb City (Soph.)

Hannah Burks, Willard (Sr.)

Alyson Miller, Willard (Sr.)

 

SECOND TEAM

Jocelyn McQueen, Branson (Jr.)

Aven Willis, Carthage (Jr.)

Madi Olds, Carl Junction (Jr.)

Jadyn Pankow, Joplin (Jr.)

Abby Lowery, Joplin (Jr.)

Autumn Kinnaird, Neosho (Soph.)

Olivia Emery, Neosho (Soph.)

Natalia Pharris, Nixa (Sr.)

Lilli Richerson, Republic (Jr.)

Abby Sargent, Webb City (Fr.)

Reece Anderson, Willard (Sr.)

Jaz Rennison, Willard (Sr.)

 

HONORABLE MENTION TEAM

Sadie Lampe, Branson (Jr.)

Alexis Smith, Carthage (Sr.)

Kady Hunt, Carl Junction (Fr.)

Maria Loum, Joplin (Jr.)

Kelsie Bray, Ozark (Jr.)

Addison Walker, Republic (Jr.)

Paige Elsenraat, Republic (Soph.)

Rilley Hanes, Webb City (Sr.)

STATE SOFTBALL: Nevada falls to Kearney in quarterfinals

Posted on by Jason Peake

NEVADA, Mo. — Nevada suffered a season-ending 5-1 setback to Kearney on Saturday in a Class 4 quarterfinal at Bushwhacker Field. 

The Tigers end the season with a record of 27-8.

Defending state champion Kearney scored once in the first and twice in the second for a 3-0 lead.

Ryleigh Van Emmerik homered to right in the third to give the Bulldogs a four-run advantage. 

Nevada got on the board in the bottom of the fourth after Peyton Eaton singled, Skyler Burns walked and the visitors committed an error in the field.

Kearney extended its lead to 5-1 in the sixth on Kennedi Casey’s RBI triple.

Kearney’s Alyssa Quick was the winning pitcher. She struck out 12 and gave up just four hits. 

Macelyn Morrow and Casey had three hits apiece for the Bulldogs.

A junior, Eaton took the loss after allowing five runs on 10 hits.

Eaton had two of Nevada’s four hits, while Caylee Holcomb and Kara Phillips added one hit apiece.

Kearney (26-5) will meet Helias Catholic (21-9) in the semifinals on Oct. 26 in Springfield. 

 

Note: Cassville suffered a 14-0 loss to Fatima in a Class 3 quarterfinal on Saturday. 

DISTRICT SOFTBALL: Webb City advances to semifinals with run-rule win

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

NEVADA, Mo. — An eight-run third inning propelled second-seeded Webb City to an 11-0 victory over seventh-seeded Raytown on Thursday night in the quarterfinals of the Class 4 District 7 softball tournament at Bushwhacker Field. 

The higher seeds prevailed in three of the four quarterfinal matchups.

Top-seeded Nevada blasted eighth-seeded Raytown South 18-0, third-seeded Belton pounded sixth-seeded Warrensburg 15-0, and in the lone upset, fifth-seeded Carl Junction outslugged fourth-seeded McDonald County 19-15.

In Saturday’s semifinals, Nevada (25-7) will meet Carl Junction (11-19) at noon, while Webb City (25-11) will take on Belton (17-10) at 2 p.m.

The Cardinals pushed across two runs in the first inning on Alex Maturino’s RBI double to left and Lily Hall’s run-scoring single through the right side.

Webb City blew the game open with an eight-run third inning.

In the big inning, Kylee Sargent delivered a two-run triple to right and Karsyn Cahoon followed with a bloop single. 

Later in the frame, Abby Sargent was plunked with the bases loaded and two more runs came home when the Bluejays were unable to haul in Dawsyn Decker’s pop up. 

Next, Maturino made it 10-0 with a two-run double, her third double of the night.

Rilley Hanes smacked an RBI to left in the fourth to give the Cardinals an 11-0 advantage.

Raytown had the bases loaded in the fourth and fifth innings, but the Cardinals retired the side each time without any damage. The game ended after the top of the fifth due to the run-rule. 

Addie Burns started in the circle for the Cardinals. The freshman tossed three scoreless innings to earn the win.

Makenzie Wynn and Laney Taylor each pitched a scoreless inning in relief.

 

Class 4 District 7

Thursday’s scores

(1) Nevada 18, (8) Raytown South 0

(5) Carl Junction 19, (4) McDonald County 15

(2) Webb City 11, (7) Raytown 0

(3) Belton 15, (6) Warrensburg 0

 

SOFTBALL: Webb City drops regular season finale

Posted on by Jason Peake

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — In the regular season finale, Kickapoo held off Webb City 4-2 on Monday.

Kickapoo led 3-0 when the Cardinals scored twice in the fourth. The Chiefs added an insurance run in the sixth for the final margin.

Kickapoo’s Allison Scott earned the pitching victory after allowing two runs on four hits while striking out six in seven innings.

Recording one hit apiece for the Cardinals were Dawsyn Decker, Alex Maturino, Jensyn Pickett and Lily Hall.

Hall hit a two-run double in the fourth inning.

Addie Burns took the loss after allowing three runs on seven hits in three innings. Makenzie Wynn pitched three innings, giving up one run on two hits and striking out three.

Webb City (24-11) meets Raytown at 7 p.m. on Thursday in the opener of the Class 4 District 7 tournament in Nevada.

 

MSHSAA 2023-2024 Class 4 District 7 Fall Season Softball Tournament

SOFTBALL: Big inning, stellar pitching lead Webb City to victory in home finale

Posted on by Jason Peake

WEBB CITY, Mo. — The home finale went well for the Webb City Cardinals.

A five-run second inning, timely hitting and stellar pitching propelled Webb City past Monett 8-2 on Thursday afternoon in a non-conference prep softball clash. 

“It was a great way to end our regular season schedule at home,” Cardinals coach Shauna Friend said. “We’ve got one more game left in the regular season on Monday at Kickapoo, and it was good to see us come out and play good softball today. I’m proud.”

It was Webb City’s final home game on the schedule. However, if the Cardinals capture a district title, there’s a chance they would host a quarterfinal contest.

The Cardinals have won 12 of their last 15 games. And with the postseason arriving next week, Coach Friend noted she’s been pleased with how her squad has been playing. 

“I think we’re right where we want to be,” Friend said. “We were a little up and down early in the season, but we got things going in the right direction. I like that our offense has come alive in the past few games. We need to keep that going. Our pitching was good today. I think everything is falling into place for us.”

Webb City hiked its record to 24-10, while Monett fell to 17-9.

 

GAME RECAP

Monett took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first on Jenna Herald’s sacrifice fly to left field, but the Cardinals plated five runs in the game-changing second frame.

During the big inning, Lily Hall hit an RBI triple to right, Rilley Hanes delivered a run-scoring single into right, Abby Sargent contributed an RBI single into left and the Cubs were unable to haul in Dawsyn Decker’s fly ball in shallow left field, allowing the hosts to take a 5-1 advantage.

“That five-run inning was big and that run support helped our pitchers settle in,” Friend said. 

Next, Hall smacked a two-run home run to right in the third, giving the Cardinals a 7-1 advantage.

The Cubs got a run back in the fourth after doubles from both Herald and Kaehler Swearingen, but Webb City added an insurance run in the bottom of the fourth when Sargent walked and later came home on Alex Maturino’s RBI grounder.

Neither team scored after the fourth inning. 

The Cardinals scored their eight runs on nine hits. A sophomore second baseman, Hall went 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs scored. Sargent and Jensyn Pickett each scored two runs.

Two Webb City hurlers limited the Cubs to three hits.

Sophomore Makenzie Wynn earned the pitching victory after holding the Cubs to two runs on three hits and three walks in four innings. 

Freshman Addie Burns tossed three scoreless innings in relief. She didn’t allow a hit, only two walks.

“Our two pitchers both did a great job today,” Friend said. 

Monett’s Kilee Wilson took the loss after surrendering seven earned runs on nine hits and two walks in six innings.

The Cubs are the No. 1 seed for the Class 3 District 6 tournament.

 

WHAT’S NEXT?

Webb City will conclude the regular season at Kickapoo on Monday. Friend said the game was added to the schedule so the team wouldn’t have such a long layoff before beginning the district tournament. 

Again, the postseason arrives next week.

Second-seeded Webb City will meet seventh-seeded Raytown at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12 in a quarterfinal contest of the Class 4 District 7 tournament at Nevada’s Bushwhacker Field. The host Tigers are the top seed, with Belton seeded third and McDonald County fourth.

“It’s definitely a tough district,” Friend said. “It will take some really good softball to get out of that district for any team. There are a lot of solid teams in the district. But I think we’re ready.” 

 

FULL STATS: Webb City HS (webbcitycardinals.com)

SOFTBALL: Webb City outslugs Joplin in COC finale

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

In a memorable Central Ozark Conference finale, Webb City outslugged Joplin 16-14 on Tuesday in a back and forth marathon softball contest at the JHS Athletic Complex.

In a game that took nearly two and a half hours to complete, the two teams combined for 30 runs and 37 hits, including five home runs.

In the end, Webb City improved to 23-10 overall and finished 5-4 in the COC. 

Joplin fell to 14-13 overall and went 3-6 in the conference.

Again, this one featured plenty of offense and multiple lead changes.

Webb City’s Alex Maturino blasted a two-run home run to center in the top of the first inning to give the Cardinals an early lead. 

The Eagles responded with three runs in the bottom of the first. Bailey Ledford walked and later scored on a Webb City fielding error before Jadyn Pankow smacked an RBI single into right, with Abby Lowery scoring the tying run. Next, Libby Munn gave the Eagles a 3-2 lead with a run-scoring single into right.

Webb City’s Lily Hall hit a two-run home run to center in the second to put the visitors back in front before Jensyn Pickett added a two-run blast to right-center in the third to give the Cardinals a 6-3 advantage.

The hosts re-took the lead with four runs in the bottom half of the third, as Riley Kelly launched a two-run homer before Maria Loum recorded a two-run single up the middle.

In a four-run fourth, Pankow lined an RBI single into left and Kelly smacked a three-run homer to right, giving the hosts an 11-6 cushion.

The Cardinals erupted for eight runs in the game-changing fifth inning. 

Hanes scored from third on a wild pitch before Hall, Abby Sargent and Dawsyn Decker all recorded RBI singles and Sydney Strickland drove in a run with a groundout.

Later in the frame, Hanes recorded an RBI double before Addie Brown followed with a two-run single for a 14-11 advantage.

In a three-run bottom half of the fifth, Pankow’s RBI single and Munn’s two-run double tied the game at 14.

In the sixth, Webb City’s Decker lined a go-ahead RBI single into right-center, with Abby Sargent scoring. The Cardinals turned a key double play in the bottom of the sixth.

Webb City added an insurance run in the seventh on Strickland’s RBI single to center.

Webb City recorded 20 hits.

Maturino had five hits and scored three runs for the Cardinals, while Decker and Hall added three hits apiece. Abby Sargent, Hanes and Strickland had two hits apiece.

Webb City sophomore Jo Jarmin was the winning pitcher. She went 2 2/3 innings in relief, allowing no runs on three hits. 

Freshman Addie Burns started and gave up five earned runs on seven hits in three innings, while sophomore Kenzie Wynn surrendered seven runs on seven hits in 1 1/3 innings.

Joplin had 17 hits.

Pankow and Munn recorded four hits apiece, while Kelly drove in five runs on two homers. Ledford, Casey and Kelly had two hits apiece. 

Loum and Munn drove in two runs apiece, while Pankow scored four runs and Lowery crossed the plate three times.

Sophomore southpaw Ava Wolf started and finished the game in the circle for Joplin. She went 2 2/3 innings, giving up six runs on seven hits.

Sophomore Caelyn Bobski took the loss after allowing 10 runs, six earned, on 13 hits in 4 1/3 innings. 

 

WHAT’S NEXT?

Both teams have non-conference home games on Thursday, as Webb City hosts Monett and Joplin entertains former Ozark Conference foe Waynesville.

District tournament play begins on Thursday, Oct. 12. Joplin is the host for the Class 5 District 7 tourney. Webb City has been assigned to Class 4 District 7, which will be hosted by Nevada.

SOFTBALL ROUNDUP: Neosho clinches share of COC title; Webb City beats Branson; Carl Junction, Carthage, Joplin suffer losses

Posted on by Jason Peake

NEOSHO 6, WILLARD 2

WILLARD, Mo. — The Neosho High School softball team locked up at least a share of the Central Ozark Conference title by beating Willard 6-2 on Thursday.

Now 7-1 in COC action, the Wildcats scored twice in the third on Kynden Smith’s two-run double.

Neosho added an insurance run in the sixth, as Beclynn Garrett doubled and later scored Addysan Hart’s RBI single.

Willard cut its deficit in half in the bottom of the sixth on Reece Anderson’s run-scoring double.

But Neosho added three runs in the top of the seventh.

Smith delivered a two-run single, with Olivia Emery and Ashlyn Stevens scoring. Garrett’s RBI double to left allowed Smith to score and made it 6-2. 

Smith drove in four runs on two hits, while Garrett and Hart contributed two hits apiece.

Neosho’s Carleigh Kinnaird earned the complete-game pitching victory, allowing just one earned run on four hits while striking out 10.

Hannah Burks took the loss after surrendering four earned runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. DeLaney Dixon allowed one run in 2/3 of an inning for the Tigers, who fell to 6-2 in the COC.

Neosho (22-5) hosts McDonald County on Friday.

 

WEBB CITY 5, BRANSON 2

BRANSON, Mo. — A three-run second inning gave the visiting Webb City Cardinals the lead for good in a Central Ozark Conference contest with the Branson Pirates on Thursday.

With the win, Webb City improved to 18-8 overall and 4-4 in the COC. 

Webb City scored once in the first inning, as leadoff batter Abby Sargent singled, stole second, took third on a passed ball and came home when the Pirates threw to first after a dropped third strike.

Jerzi Yacko’s RBI double to left tied the game in the bottom of the first, but Webb City pushed across three runs in the second on Sargent’s two-run single and a Branson error.

The Cardinals added a single tally in the third on Rilley Hanes’ sacrifice fly, with Jensyn Pickett scoring for a 5-1 lead.

The Pirates got a run back in the bottom of the third, and neither team scored the rest of the way.

A freshman shortstop, Sargent had three hits and two RBI for the Cardinals.

Webb City freshman right-hander Addie Burns earned the complete game victory. She gave up just two runs on four hits and struck out four.

Branson sophomore southpaw Kaleah Morrison took the loss after allowing five runs on six hits. 

The Pirates fell to 10-12 and 2-5 in the conference.

Webb City will compete at the Springfield Tournament on Friday and Saturday.

 

OZARK 10, CARL JUNCTION 0

OZARK, Mo. — Carl Junction stayed within striking distance for the most of the game, as the visitors only trailed 2-0 after five innings.

But Ozark erupted for eight runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to end the game early.

Ozark’s Kendall McCoy earned the pitching victory, limiting the Bulldogs to one hit while striking out nine.

Kiley Spencer took the loss after allowing nine earned runs on 10 hits.

Madi Olds had Carl Junction’s lone hit.

Audrey Carlton hit a grand slam for the Tigers (17-10, 4-4 COC).

Carl Junction (7-13, 1-7 COC) is at this weekend’s Springfield Tournament.

 

REPUBLIC 8, CARTHAGE 7

REPUBLIC, Mo. — Republic broke a 2-2 tie with a five-run third inning and held off Carthage for a Central Ozark Conference win on Thursday.

Republic jumped in front 7-2 after the third inning before Carthage scored twice in the fourth inning and three more times in the fifth to tie the game at 7-all. Republic answered in the bottom of the fifth with a run crossing on a sacrifice fly from Alison Poulson to push the go-ahead run across. 

Kara Goeke earned the win in relief after pitching 2 2/3 scoreless innings on two hits and two strikeouts. Piper Dishman started and allowed seven runs, one earned, on six hits, two walks and four strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings.

Addie Wallace took the loss after allowing eight runs, seven earned, on nine hits, two walks and two strikeouts in four innings.

Lilli Richerson homered on the way to two hits, two RBI and a run scored for Republic, while Gracie Woods doubled and drove in three with a run scored.

Shelby Hegwer doubled, drove in one and scored a run for Carthage. Emmy Stark doubled and picked up an RBI. 

Carthage (14-12, 5-3 COC) hosts Neosho on Tuesday.

 

NIXA 11, JOPLIN 1 (5 INNINGS)

NIXA, Mo. — Nixa built an early lead and never looked back in a Central Ozark Conference win over Joplin on Thursday.

Nixa tallied three runs in the first and second innings to jump in front before both teams traded single tallies in the third frame. Nixa put the finishing touches on the five-inning win with a four-run fourth inning to push the lead to 10.

Paige Garetson earned the win after allowing one run on five hits and two strikeouts in five innings of work.

Ava Wolf took the loss after allowing six runs, four earned, on four hits, two walks and two strikeouts in two innings.

Rylee Harper had three hits, four RBI and scored a run, while Brienne Chilton homered, drove in to and scored a run for Nixa.

Abby Lowery homered to finish with one RBI and a run scored, while Wolf had two hits at the plate to lead Joplin.

Joplin (13-12, 3-5 COC) is at Glendale on Monday.

SOFTBALL: Neosho rallies late to beat Webb City

Posted on by Jason Peake

NEOSHO, Mo. — Just when it looked like the visitors had all of the momentum, the host Neosho Wildcats rallied for four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to earn a 5-4 Central Ozark Conference victory over the Webb City Cardinals on Tuesday at the Marion Sports Complex.

With a sixth straight win, Neosho improved to 17-5 overall and 4-1 in the COC. 

Webb City slipped to 12-7 and 2-3 in the COC. 

Entering the matchup with plenty of momentum after winning the Branson Tournament over the weekend, the Wildcats took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning when junior shortstop Beclynn Garrett launched a solo home run over the fence in center field.

The Cardinals were no-hit by Neosho junior right-hander Carleigh Kinnaird through five innings, but the visitors finally got the bats going in the top of the sixth, erupting for four runs.

Freshman shortstop Abby Sargent and sophomore catcher Kylee Sargent hit back-to-back singles to begin the sixth before sophomore third baseman Alex Maturino blasted a three-run home run to center for a 3-1 lead.

Later in the frame, senior second baseman Jensyn Pickett smacked a home run to left to give the visitors a three-run cushion. 

But the Wildcats responded with four runs of their own in the bottom half.

Garrett tripled to start the rally and later scored on sophomore second baseman Addysan Hart’s sac fly to right.

The hosts tied the game on junior left fielder Avyn Blair’s two-run base hit to right field.

Later in the frame, Blair scored the go-ahead run from third after a wild pitch. 

Kinnaird, who retired the side in the seventh, earned the complete-game pitching victory. She gave up four runs on four hits and two walks and struck out 10.

Garrett went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI.

Webb City freshman Addie Burns took the loss after allowing five runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out four. 

Both teams have conference home games on Thursday, as Webb City hosts Republic and Neosho entertains Ozark. 

 

SOFTBALL: Carthage rides big inning, stellar pitching to win over rival Webb City

Posted on by Jason Peake

WEBB CITY, Mo. — An eight-run fourth inning propelled Carthage past longtime rival Webb City 9-1 on Tuesday in a Central Ozark Conference softball contest at Webb City High School.

The Tigers were clinging to a 1-0 lead when they erupted for eight runs in the game-changing fourth frame. 

“We talked about putting the ball in play, bunting, moving runners over and putting the pressure on them,” Carthage coach Stephanie Ray said of the big inning. “We were able to get some runs across and then we finally got the big hit from Brooklynn (Dolon-Main) and that really sealed the deal.”

The big inning wasn’t the only highlight for the Tigers.

Carthage junior hurler Addison Wallace was stellar in the circle, as she limited Webb City to two hits and one walk while striking out six in the complete-game gem.

“She threw a really good game today,” Ray said. “She’s had some great games where we just didn’t give her any run support. Tonight, she threw just as well as she did last weekend and against Ozark. Tonight, she had the run support.”

Wallace induced 11 ground outs and four fly outs and went the distance on 86 pitches.

“She got ahead,” Ray said. “She was able to mix it up on them.” 

The Cardinals got the best of the Tigers at the Joplin tournament, winning 10-2, but Carthage turned the tables in the rematch.

“It’s a good win for us,” Ray said. “They took one from us at the Joplin tournament where they had a big inning on us. So it was nice to see us get it done here tonight.” 

The Tigers touched Webb City starting pitcher Laney Taylor for one run on two hits in the top of the first inning.

With one out, junior shortstop Ashlyn Brust singled to left and senior catcher Dolon-Main doubled to left-center before sophomore second baseman Lottie Youngblood drove in the game’s first run with a grounder to shortstop.

The Cardinals stranded the bases loaded in the bottom of the second, as Wallace recorded a key strikeout to keep her team in front.

Carthage broke the game open with eight runs on six hits, an error, a fielder’s choice and a hit batter in the fourth.

With the bases loaded, senior first baseman Alexis Smith drove in a run when the Cardinals were unable to corral her slow chopper in between the plate and the circle.

Next, senior outfielder Shelby Hegwer was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded before sophomore Jaycee Bayless drove in a run with a pinch-hit infield single for a 4-0 lead.

A fielder’s choice off the bat of junior designated player Aven Willis and an infield single by Brust made it 6-0.

The Tigers weren’t done. In the biggest blast of the game, Dolon-Main’s three-run double to right gave the visitors a 9-0 cushion.

Webb City got on the board when senior designated player Rilley Hanes homered to center in the bottom of the fourth. 

Neither team scored the rest of the way.

Wallace, who didn’t allow a hit after the fourth inning, had five 1-2-3 innings.

The Tigers recorded 12 hits, with eight players contributing. Dolon-Main had three hits, while Smith and Brust added two hits apiece. 

Taylor took the loss after allowing six earned runs on five hits in three innings. Makenzie Wynn gave up two runs on seven hits in four innings.

Webb City slipped to 10-4 and 1-2 in the COC.

Carthage improved to 9-9 overall and 2-1 in the COC. 

“We talked to the girls about how this is a big week for us,” Coach Ray said. “We’ve already played in three tournaments. We’ve already played 18 games, so half of our season is done. This was a big game and we have Mac County tomorrow and Willard on Thursday. We talked about taking them one game at a time. We want to keep working on the little things, keep our energy high and we’ll see what happens.” 

 

WHAT’S NEXT?

Carthage hosts McDonald County at 3:30 on Wednesday.

Webb City is at Nixa on Thursday. 

 

FULL STATS: Webb City HS (webbcitycardinals.com)

SOFTBALL: 2023 Paige Neal/Christina Freeman Softball Tournament concludes

Posted on by Jason Peake

The 19th annual Paige Neal/Christina Freeman Softball Tournament concluded on Saturday at the Joplin Athletic Complex.

Broken Arrow won the tournament with a 5-0 record and Kickapoo was the runner-up.

Blue Springs finished third and Webb City was fourth, while Neosho placed fifth, Park Hill South was sixth and Carthage was seventh. 

Rounding out the tourney field were Staley, Monett, Joplin, Ozark and Seneca. 

Webb City went 4-1 at the event, while Neosho, Carthage and Joplin all went 3-2. 

Saturday’s scores are posted below.

 

19th Paige Neal/Christina Freeman Softball Tournament

Saturday’s results

(At Joplin Athletic Complex)

Gold Bracket 

Broken Arrow 10, Blue Springs 9

Broken Arrow 10, Kickapoo 9

Kickapoo 8, Blue Springs 5

 

Silver Bracket

Neosho 12, Park Hill South 11

Webb City 7, Neosho 6

Webb City 11, Park Hill South 8

 

Bronze Bracket

Staley 8, Monett 0

Carthage 12, Staley 5

Carthage 13, Monett 1

 

Consolation Bracket

Joplin 4, Ozark 3

Ozark 8, Seneca 7

Joplin 16, Seneca 0

 

Friday’s pool play scores

Pool A

Monett 10, Joplin 2

Joplin 9, Park Hill South 8

Broken Arrow 16, Joplin 1

Broken Arrow 18, Monett 6

Park Hill South 9, Monett 0

Broken Arrow 4, Park Hill South 1

 

Pool B

Kickapoo 5, Neosho 4

Ozark 15, Kickapoo 9

Staley 5, Ozark 2

Kickapoo 12, Staley 4

Neosho 9, Ozark 3

Neosho 8, Staley 2

 

Pool C

Webb City 14, Seneca 3

Webb City 10, Carthage 2

Blue Springs 9, Webb City 5

Blue Springs 16, Seneca 4

Carthage 6, Seneca 5

Blue Springs 11, Carthage 4

 

 

SOFTBALL: Webb City drops home opener to Nevada

Posted on by Jason Peake

WEBB CITY, Mo. — A strong pitching performance and a four-run frame propelled the Nevada Tigers to a 5-1 victory over the Webb City Cardinals on Monday in a non-conference softball matchup.

Simply put, the visiting Tigers spoiled Webb City’s 2023 home opener.

“We got out-played today, but it’s still early in the season,” Webb City coach Shauna Friend said. “They just had that one big inning. We have a lot of work still to do. It was a good game to build on and I’m sure we’ll see Nevada again.”

The clash between Class 4 District 7 foes was a pitcher’s duel between Webb City junior right-hander Laney Taylor and Nevada junior right-hander Peyton Eaton in the early stages of the contest.

Webb City starting pitcher Laney Taylor delivers a pitch to the plate against Nevada on Monday at Webb City High School. Photo by Israel Perez.

The game was scoreless until the Tigers broke through in the top of the fourth. 

Nevada junior catcher Ella Heathman doubled to leadoff the frame and later scored on junior shortstop Kaleiah Johnson’s RBI single to the wall in center. 

Webb City tied it up in the bottom of the fourth.

Freshman shortstop Abby Sargent singled and went to second on a wild pitch. Sophomore third baseman Kylee Sargent’s sacrifice bunt allowed Abby Sargent to advance to third.

Next, senior catcher Dawsyn Decker laid down a squeeze bunt, with the tying run scoring on the play. 

The game wasn’t deadlocked long, as Nevada erupted for four runs on four hits and an error in the game-changing fifth inning. 

Caylee Holcomb singled and later scored on a Webb City throwing error before Eaton helped her own cause by contributing a run-scoring single that allowed Kara Phillips to cross the plate.

Eaton later charged home on a wild pitch before Johnson hit an RBI single to left, scoring Heathman and giving the visitors a 5-1 advantage.

Webb City shortstop Abby Sargent hauls in a pop fly behind second base during Monday’s game against Nevada. Photo by Israel Perez.

The Cardinals were unable to respond late in the game, as Eaton kept the hosts off the scoreboard the rest of the way.

A returning all-district pitcher, Eaton earned the complete game victory. In a solid outing, Eaton limited the Cardinals to one run on three hits. She didn’t walk a batter.

The Cardinals had scored 11 runs in each of their first two games of the season. But on Monday, Webb City’s bats were mostly kept silent.

“She spun the ball well and she’s a good pitcher,” Friend said of Eaton. “We didn’t quite get things figured out in time today.” 

Also a returning all-district performer, Taylor was charged with the loss, but she only allowed two earned runs on eight hits and three walks in five innings. 

“She came out and threw well and kept them under control until that one big inning,” Friend said of Taylor’s outing. “It was the third time through the order, so they’d seen her a little bit and they made some adjustments.”

Sophomore Makenzie Wynn tossed two scoreless innings in relief for the Cardinals.

“Wynn came in and pitched really well for us,” Friend noted. “We’re looking forward to seeing her in the circle again.” 

Senior first baseman Sydney Strickland, Abby Sargent and Decker had the lone hits for the Cardinals, who slipped to 2-1 on the season.

Johnson, Holcomb and Eaton had two hits apiece for the Tigers, who improved to 4-1.

Again, these two teams have been assigned to the same district, so they could meet again when the postseason arrives. 

 

WHAT’S NEXT?

Nevada hosts Cassville on Tuesday.

Webb City is at Rolla on Wednesday. The Cardinals will compete at Joplin’s annual tournament on Friday and Saturday. 

 

Webb City’s Sydney Strickland receives a throw at first base during Monday’s game against the Nevada Tigers. Nevada spoiled Webb City’s home opener, beating the Cardinals 5-1. Photos by Israel Perez.

 

Nevada junior Peyton Eaton was the winning pitcher against Webb City on Monday. Eaton allowed just one run, as the Tigers beat the Cardinals 5-1 in a non-conference matchup.

 

FULL STATS: Webb City HS (webbcitycardinals.com)

SOFTBALL: Webb City begins ’23 with two wins

Posted on by Jason Peake

ANDERSON, Mo. — In the first action of the 2023 season, the Webb City High School softball team earned a pair of non-conference victories on Saturday at McDonald County High School.

Webb City defeated Quapaw, Oklahoma, 11-1 in the day’s opener and the Cardinals knocked off host Mac County 11-7.

Against Quapaw, the Cardinals scored three runs in the first inning, four in the fourth and two apiece in the fifth and sixth innings.

Webb City recorded 12 hits. Abby Sargent went 3-for-4 with two runs scored, while Alex Maturino, Sidney Strickland, Dawsyn Decker and Riley Hanes all had two hits apiece. Maturino hit a pair of doubles, while Decker and Hanes tripled. Lily Hall, Maturino and Decker drove in two runs apiece.  

Three Webb City pitchers limited Quapaw to one hit. 

Laney Taylor was the winning pitcher. She went two innings in the circle, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out two.

Kenzie Wynn tossed three scoreless innings, while Karsyn Cahoon pitched one inning, giving up one run.

In the win over the Mustangs, Webb City plated six runs in the first inning and added two in the second to take a comfortable 8-0 lead. 

Down 9-1, McDonald County erupted for six runs in the bottom of the sixth, but the Cardinals added two insurance runs in the top of the seventh. 

The Cardinals once again got the bats going in a big way with 11 hits against their district foe.

Kylee Sargent, Strickland and Decker had two hits apiece. Hanes homered and drove in two runs. Wynn and Strickland had two RBI, while Lily Hall, Maturino, Decker and Addi Brown contributed one RBI apiece.

Lia Taylor was the winning pitcher. She went five innings, allowing one run on two hits and three walks while striking out three. Addie Burns and Wynn pitched in relief.

McDonald County’s Joslyn Royce allowed six runs on five hits, while Jaylee Brock gave up two earned runs on four hits and Dakota O’Brien surrendered two runs, both unearned, in one inning of work. 

Carlee Cooper and O’Brien both homered for the Mustangs, while Kearston Hopkins drove in three runs on two hits. 

In the day’s other game, McDonald County defeated Quapaw 12-2.

Webb City (2-0) hosts Nevada (3-1) at 4:30 on Monday.

SOFTBALL PREVIEW: With entire roster back, Webb City has goals set high

Posted on by Jason Peake

With no seniors on last year’s squad, the Webb City softball team returns plenty of varsity experience entering the 2023 season.

Featuring a large number of newcomers in 2022, the Cardinals went 17-20 overall and 5-4 in the COC. Webb City won a postseason game and ended the year with a district semifinal loss to eventual champion McDonald County.

Cardinals coach Shauna Friend is confident last year’s experience, and the growing pains along the way, should pay off in a big way this season.

“We have a lot to be excited about this season,” Friend said. “We are returning our entire roster with a year of experience to build on. It’s a great group of athletes both in talent and character. They will compete and be fun to watch.”

Returning players with prior varsity experience include seniors Sydney Strickland, Dawsyn Decker and Jensyn Pickett, juniors Laney Taylor, Addi Brown, Rylynn McFarland and Emily Wood and sophomores Lily Hall, Kylee Sargent, Alex Maturino, Makenzie Wynn, Madeline Barchak, Kyley Senter, Karsyn Cahoon and Joleesa Jarmin.

Friend noted most of the starting positions are up for grabs during the preseason.

“Sydney Strickland and Lily Hall will return as our starting first and second basemen as best as I can tell at this point,” Friend said. “We have a lot to work out in the first three weeks of practice. There will be a lot of competition for varsity playing time and positions.”

Like Strickland and Hall, Sargent and Pickett started on the infield last season, while Maturino, Decker and Wynn were starting outfielders. Coach Friend noted there will likely be some shuffling of where returning athletes play in the field.

In 2022, Sargent recorded a .379 batting average with 44 hits, 45 runs scored, 27 RBI and six home runs, while Maturino hit .341 with 29 hits and 18 RBI.

Decker batted .270 with 30 hits, 23 runs scored and 20 RBI, Pickett hit .275 with 28 hits and 24 RBI, Hall batted .312 with 34 hits and 15 RBI and Strickland had a .276 batting average with 27 hits, 17 runs scored and 16 RBI. Hall earned first team all-conference honors last season as an infielder.

Lily Hall is one of Webb City’s top returning softball players this fall. File photo.

One returning starter, sophomore catcher Liz Rhuems, is currently unable to compete due to an injury. Rhuems was an honorable mention all-conference selection last season after hitting .405 with 49 hits, 34 RBI and 30 runs scored.

The team’s most experienced hurler, Taylor pitched 132 innings in 34 outings last season, striking out 71 and finishing the fall with a 3.18 ERA on the way to earning 11 wins. 

Cahoon had 24 appearances in the circle. She struck out 52 and picked up three wins. Jarmin pitched in six games, earning two wins.

Freshmen Abby Sargent (IF/OF), Addie Burns (P) and Alivia Nieburg (P) are newcomers to watch.

With 15 returning players, and with a number of promising newcomers, the Cardinals have plenty of depth. 

“Our strength this year would be depth at many positions, including one of the most crucial positions—pitcher,” Friend said. “We have a total of eight pitchers that I feel confident to step into a varsity circle and record quality innings. I think having depth at various positions will help the players push each other to give their best effort and continue to improve throughout the season.”

Consistent offensive production will be one of the team’s main keys to success this fall.

“Offensively, we will have to improve on our consistency through the lineup,” Friend said. “We will have to find ways to move runners and get timely hits to drive them in. The players are going to have to put in the extra time and effort on the tee and in the cage, as well as be coachable in order to continue to improve offensively.”

Playing with confidence, communicating on the field and building solid team chemistry will be other keys to success for the Cardinals. 

“Last year, with very little varsity experience at all, we lacked confidence, communication and chemistry,” Friend said. “These three criteria are critical for success in a team sport. I believe with the added year of experience, the players will have more confidence in themselves and their teammates. They know that communication has to improve and have been working on that over the summer. And chemistry, not the chemistry I teach, but team chemistry—the glue that keeps a team together and focused on their goals. Successful teams have good team chemistry.”

Webb City opens the season on Aug. 26 at McDonald County. The Cardinals will take on Quapaw (Oklahoma) at 11 a.m. and the host Mustangs at 1 p.m.

Webb City’s first home game is slated for Aug. 28 against Nevada. 

With fall practices underway, Friend noted the expectations are high every year at Webb City. This year is no different.

“I believe every year you set your goals and expectations high, otherwise why put in all the time, effort, and sweat,” she said. “We expect to compete to win every game, to learn and improve from every game, and ultimately fight for a district championship and advance to the state championship.”

STATE CHAMPS: Mount Vernon captures Class 2 title with 29th straight win

Posted on by Jason Peake

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Mount Vernon’s 29th straight victory of the 2023 season was similar to many of the wins that preceded it — one-sided and emphatic.

Top-ranked Mount Vernon earned a convincing 6-0 win over second-ranked West County in the championship game of the Class 2 spring softball state tournament on Tuesday at the Killian Softball Complex.

Dominant on the diamond all season, Mount Vernon ends the season with a record of 37-1.

It’s safe to say the Mountaineers left no doubt as to who was the best spring softball team in the state of Missouri.

“I feel like we left no doubt,” Mount Vernon coach Matt Schubert said. “I knew if we played our best, we were going to be able to win the game. I don’t want to take anything away from West County. They were great. That was a tough game.

“The girls have put in the work. Looking back on the season, it’s just been an unbelievable performance all the way through. It’s been fun. As a coach, you work in practice to get them prepared. When it comes to the games, it’s all up to them. They’ve done a great job of executing the things we wanted to do. We’ve had some great performances.” 

Mount Vernon senior Harley Daniels delivers a pitch to the plate against West County on Tuesday in the Class 2 state title game at Killian Softball Complex in Springfield. Photo by Jason Peake.

Moments after the awards ceremony concluded, Mount Vernon senior standout pitcher Harley Daniels came to the realization that her squad had accomplished its goal of winning a state title. 

“I’m sad that it’s ended, but I’m very happy it ended this way,” an emotional Daniels said. “It’s been the best three years…to end it this way is the best. We’ve all had a love of the game. I think that’s what really drives us to do well.”

After run-rule wins in both the quarterfinals and semifinals, the Mountaineers concluded the season with another decisive victory.

Mount Vernon pushed across four runs in the bottom of the first inning to take control early.

With two outs, senior first baseman Allie Schubert walked before Daniels smacked an RBI double to right field.

After sophomore catcher Rae Downing was hit by a pitch, sophomore center fielder Cheyenne Bieber delivered a two-run triple to left.

Freshman third baseman Hali Stokes followed with a run-scoring single through the left side for a four-run cushion.

Mount Vernon added a single tally in the second, as junior second baseman Payge Evans singled and stole second. Evans charged home when sophomore shortstop Molly Daniels lined an RBI single up the middle, making it 5-0.

The Bulldogs (24-4) stranded two on-base in the fourth and sixth innings, as Harley Daniels maneuvered out of trouble on both occasions, ending each frame with a strikeout.

Mount Vernon added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth. Stokes was hit by a pitch and sophomore designated player Ava Bellis singled before the speedy Evans drove in the final run with an infield single.

Evans’ late hit was significant. Coach Schubert said Evans, the team’s leadoff batter, broke the state record for hits in a season with 76.

In yet another stellar performance in the circle, Harley Daniels tossed a complete-game shutout, limiting the Bulldogs to five hits and one walk. She struck out nine in her final prep outing.

“She’s been a steady force in the circle,” Coach Schubert said. “She gives us the opportunity to win each time out. We knew she would keep things close. I liked the offensive opportunities that we got. And we were able to cash in on them.” 

Daniels noted the early run support was key.

“It was relieving,” she said. “I just could go out there and do what I know how to do. If they hit the ball, I know my defense is there.”

Speaking of defense, the Mountaineers were flawless in the field with no errors.

All season long the Mountaineers have received nice contributions from everyone in their lineup. This was the case again on Tuesday, as six different players recorded hits and five different players drove in a run.

Mount Vernon graduates two standout seniors, Harley Daniels and Allie Schubert. 

West County senior Gracie Wright took the loss. She surrendered six earned runs on seven hits in six innings. Wright hit four batters and walked one.

Mount Vernon also won a state championship in spring softball in 2016. The Mountaineers were fourth in both 2019 and ’14.

“I’ve been able to enjoy this trip a little more,” Coach Schubert said. “This is our fourth trip to the Final Four. For me, having the experience of being here before was big. I knew what to expect. I was able to relax. And with the way our girls have played, I had the utmost confidence in them.” 

In one of the final acts of the season, Coach Schubert was able to hand out championship medals to each and every one of his players.

“They’re all kind of like my kids because I’ve been around them for so long … starting in second grade and some before that in tee ball,” Coach Schubert said. “So this means a lot.”

 

The Mount Vernon Mountaineers pose with the state championship plaque after defeating West County 6-0 in the state title game on Tuesday in Springfield. Photos by Jason Peake.

 

Mount Vernon coach Matt Schubert presented his players with their championship medals at the conclusion of Tuesday’s state title game in Springfield.

 

Mount Vernon seniors Harley Daniels and Allie Schubert accepted the state championship plaque at the conclusion of Tuesday’s 6-0 win over West County. The Mountaineers won 29 straight games to end the season at 37-1.

STATE SOFTBALL: Jasper headed back to Final Four

Posted on by Jason Peake

MILLER, Mo. — For the second straight year, the Jasper Eagles are headed to the Final Four of the spring softball state tournament.

Jasper rode a pair of big innings to an 11-4 win over Miller on Wednesday in a Class 1 quarterfinal. 

Jasper (22-12) will meet Concordia (26-1) in the semifinals at 11 a.m. on Monday at Killian Softball Complex in Springfield.

A year ago, Jasper reached the Class 1 title game before falling to Wellington-Napoleon.

On Wednesday, Jasper trailed 4-2 after the top of the fourth inning.

But the Eagles rallied in a big way.

Jasper scored three runs in the bottom of the fourth and six more in the fifth to blow the game open.

In the fourth, Livia Dumm hit a two-run home run to center and Shiloh Storm contributed an RBI single.

In the six-run fifth, Emersyn Bass drew a bases-loaded walk, Brie Haddock contributed a two-run single and Taylor Hinds launched a three-run homer to left.

Jasper scored its 11 runs on 12 hits.

Dumm went 4-for-5 with two RBI, while Hinds drove in five runs on two hits and Haddock scored three runs and had two RBI. Alivea Roberts had two hits and Addison Atnip scored twice.

Grace Osborne was the winning pitcher. She allowed three earned runs on 11 hits. Osborne didn’t walk a batter and struck out eight in the complete-game effort. 

Four players had two hits apiece for Miller, Hailey Mart, Rachel Nunez, Addison Stockton and Ashlynn Helton.

Loghann Leivan took the loss after allowing nine earned runs on 12 hits and five walks. She struck out five.

Miller ends the season with a record of 20-6.

Monday’s other Class 1 semifinal features Valle Catholic (18-3) vs. Ellington (16-6).

Two area teams will be competing at next week’s Final Four, as Mount Vernon advanced in Class 2.

STATE SOFTBALL: Mount Vernon advances to semifinals with run-rule win

Posted on by Jason Peake

SPARTA, Mo. — A seven-run third inning propelled Mount Vernon to a dominant 13-3 victory over Sparta in the quarterfinals of the Class 2 spring softball tournament on Tuesday.

With the lopsided win, the Mountaineers (35-1) advance to the state semifinals, where they’ll meet Fair Grove (19-4) at 1:15 p.m. on Monday, May 22 at Killian Sports Complex in Springfield.

It’s Mount Vernon’s first semifinal appearance since 2019, when the team finished fourth in Class 1.

Sparta’s Natalie Wilks homered in the first inning before Mount Vernon’s Ava Bellis tied it up in the second with a single to center.

Mount Vernon erupted for seven runs on eight hits in the game-changing third inning.

Allie Schubert, Harley Daniels, Cheyenne Bieber and Hali Stokes all drove in runs during the big inning. 

The Mountaineers added four runs in the fourth.

Lillian Burk hit an RBI single, scoring Molly Daniels. A throwing error and a wild pitch made it 11-1 before Stokes hit an RBI single for an 11-run cushion.

The Trojans extended the game by plating two runs in the fifth on Wilks’ second homer of the game.

The Mountaineers scored the game-ending run in the bottom of the fifth, with Molly Daniels driving in Payge Evans for the walk-off.

Stokes had three hits, while Evans, Molly Daniels, Harley Daniels and Rae Downing had two hits apiece.

Mount Vernon’s Harley Daniels (27-1) was the winning pitcher. She allowed three runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four in five innings.

DISTRICT SOFTBALL: Jasper knocks off top-seeded Liberal in title game

Posted on by Jason Peake

JASPER, Mo. — A four-run second inning proved to be the difference as second-seeded Jasper knocked off top-seeded Liberal (with Bronaugh) 7-3 on Wednesday in the championship game of the Class 1 District 6 softball tournament.

The game was deadlocked after the first inning before the Eagles pushed across four runs in the second inning.

Neither team scored the rest of the way and the Eagles captured a second straight district title.

Jasper (21-15) now gets a date with Miller (20-5) on May 16 in the quarterfinals. Miller defeated Purdy 10-9 for the District 5 title.

Last year’s Class 1 runner-up, Jasper took an early three-run lead on Shiloh Storm’s first inning bases-clearing triple. 

The Bulldogs responded with three runs of their own in the bottom half, as Kyla Porter drew a bases-loaded walk before Laney Simpson hit a game-tying two-run double.

Jasper plated four runs in the second on an RBI single from Emersyn Bass and a three-run double off the bat of Taylor Hinds.

There was no scoring after the second inning.

Liberal threatened in the seventh before the Eagles turned a game-ending double play.

Bass went 3-for-4 with two runs scored for Jasper, while Hinds and Storm drove in three runs apiece. Livia Dumm and Brie Haddock scored two runs apiece.

Grace Osborne was the winning pitcher. She went the distance and allowed two earned runs on just two hits. Osborne walked six and struck out nine.

Liberal’s Jordan Goodell took the loss after allowing seven runs on seven hits and seven walks. She struck out nine.

Liberal’s lone two hits of the game were recorded by Simpson. 

The Bulldogs went 20-12 this season.

SOFTBALL: All-Ozark 7 team announced; Colin is POY

Posted on by Jason Peake

The 2023 All-Ozark 7 Conference Softball Team has been announced.

 

ALL-OZARK 7 CONFERENCE SOFTBALL TEAM

Player of the Year: Maddy Colin, College Heights (with McAuley Catholic)

Coach of the Year: Mike Howard, College Heights (with McAuley Catholic)

 

FIRST TEAM

Jayli Johnson, College Heights

Kloee Williamson, College Heights

Lauren Ukena, College Heights

Natalie Crumpler, Exeter

Dawnee Sorensen, Exeter

Emma Sorensen, Exeter

Kyndall Scott, Golden City

Teagan Warner, Golden City

Meghan Long, Verona

 

SECOND TEAM

Allie Stout, College Heights

Aaliyah Perez-Villa, College Heights

Zeanndrea Brown, Exeter

Shea Hilburn, Exeter

Kaylyn Weiser, Exeter

Violet Tosh, Verona

America Castillo, Verona

Tyra Menadue, Golden City

Zoey Martell, Wheaton

DISTRICT SOFTBALL: Mount Vernon, Diamond will meet for championship

Posted on by Jason Peake

MOUNT VERNON, Mo. — The top two seeds will meet for the Class 2 District 6 softball championship.

Top-seeded Mount Vernon defeated fifth-seeded Pierce City 3-1 and second-seeded Diamond knocked off third-seeded Sarcoxie 9-5 on Monday in semifinal contests. 

The district title game between the Mountaineers (33-1) and the Wildcats (27-9-1) is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday night at Spirit of 76 Park.

 

MOUNT VERNON 3, PIERCE CITY 1

The Mountaineers extended their winning streak to 25.

Mount Vernon took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on Rae Downing’s home run to left.

The Mountaineers added a run in the fourth when Lillian Burk scored from third after a passed ball.

In the fifth, Mount Vernon’s Harley Daniels delivered an RBI single to left, scoring Allyson Burk, for a 3-0 lead.

Pierce City scored once in the top of the seventh on Jillian Mack’s RBI single.

Daniels was the winning pitcher. She recorded seven strikeouts and limited the Eagles to six hits.

Hali Stokes was the lone Mountaineer with two hits, both doubles.

Claudia Crowell took the loss but allowed just two earned runs on six hits and two walks while striking out six.

Trinity Witt and Crowell had two hits apiece for the Eagles, who end the season at 14-10.

 

DIAMOND 9, SARCOXIE 5

Coming from behind, Diamond rode a six-run fifth inning to a semifinal victory. 

The game was scoreless when Sarcoxie erupted for four runs in the top of the fourth inning. 

The first run scored on Kaydence Flynn’s single before a second run crossed the plate after a Diamond error. Lauren Brooks hit a two-run double to center to give the Bears a 4-0 lead.

Diamond responded with two runs in the bottom half. Lauren Turner tripled and scored on Aubrey Ball’s RBI single before Marrisa DeJager contributed an RBI single.

The Bears took a 5-2 lead in the fifth on Flynn’s run-scoring single.

However, Diamond exploded for six runs in the bottom of the fifth.

In the big inning, Turner hit an RBI single, Talyn Daniels’ sac fly drove in two runs, Sara Roszell added a run-scoring single before DeJager and Emilee Shallenburger hit back-to-back doubles for an 8-5 lead.

The Wildcats added an insurance run in the sixth after Grace Frazier reached on an error and later scored on Caitlyn Suhrie’s sac fly.

Ball had three hits for Diamond, while Turner and DeJager added two hits apiece. Daniels and Shallenburger had two RBI apiece.

Suhrie was the winning pitcher. She allowed four earned runs on six hits and six walks while striking out eight.

Kylee Walters took the loss for Sarcoxie. She allowed nine runs, two earned, on 10 hits. She struck out seven.

Flynn and Brooks had two hits apiece for the Bears, who finished 14-10.

DISTRICT SOFTBALL: College Heights ends season with loss to Pierce City; Mount Vernon, Sarcoxie, Diamond earn wins

Posted on by Jason Peake

MOUNT VERNON, Mo. — Fourth-seeded College Heights Christian (with McAuley Catholic) suffered a season-ending 5-0 setback to fifth-seeded Pierce City on Saturday in a quarterfinal contest of the Class 2 District 6 softball tournament at Spirit of 76 Park.

Pierce City (14-9) advanced to Monday’s semifinals, where the Eagles will take on top-seeded Mount Vernon (32-1) at 5 p.m.

Mount Vernon pounded eighth-seeded Southwest (Washburn) 17-2 in four innings. 

In other quarterfinal action, third-seeded Sarcoxie topped sixth-seeded East Newton 12-3 and second-seeded Diamond edged seventh-seeded Lamar 1-0. 

Diamond (26-9-1) and Sarcoxie (14-9) will meet in the second semifinal at 6:45 on Monday night. 

 

PIERCE CITY 5, COLLEGE HEIGHTS 0

The game was scoreless until Pierce City scored three runs in the fourth inning. With the bases loaded, Claudia Crowell delivered a two-run single before Abby O’Hara followed with an RBI single.

The Eagles pushed across a single tally in the fourth to extend their lead, as Trinity Witt reached on an error, took third on Hailey Gripka’s single and then scored on a CHC error.

Pierce City added an insurance run in the seventh after a single and three CHC errors.

Gripka and O’Hara had two hits apiece for the Eagles.

The Cougars simply couldn’t generate much offense, as they were limited to four hits by Crowell.

Crowell struck out nine and walked three in the shutout victory.

Jayli Johnson had two hits for the Cougars, including a triple, while Kloee Williamson and Aaliyah Perez added one hit apiece. Perez doubled.

Maddy Colin took the loss, but she didn’t allow an earned run. Colin struck out 14 and allowed seven hits and one walk. 

The Cougars committed six errors in the field.

College Heights ends the season with a record of 18-6-1. The Cougars captured a third straight Ozark 7 Conference championship this season. 

 

MOUNT VERNON 17, SOUTHWEST 2 

The Mountaineers rode two big innings, a seven-run second and an eight-run fourth, to a convincing run-rule victory.

The tourney hosts scored their 17 runs on 16 hits in just four innings.

Payge Evans and Allie Schubert had three hits apiece, while Harley Daniels, Rae Downing, Cheyenne Bieber and Ava Bellis contributed two hits apiece.

Daniels drove in four runs, while Evans had three RBI and scored three runs. 

Daniels earned the pitching victory. In four innings, Daniels struck out 10 and allowed two runs on three hits and three walks. Also of note, Daniels recorded her 600th career strikeout.

Southwest (8-12) scored both of its runs in the second on Kaleigh Tull’s two-run double.

Mount Vernon coach Matt Schubert earned career win No. 200.

The Mountaineers have won 24 straight games ahead of the semifinals. 

 

SARCOXIE 12, EAST NEWTON 3

Up 3-0, Sarcoxie scored five runs in the third to take a commanding 8-0 lead.

East Newton got on the board with three runs in the fifth, but the Bears added one run in the fifth and three more in the sixth for the final margin.

Sarcoxie’s Kylee Walters was the winning pitcher. She gave up three runs on six hits and struck out 14 in the complete-game effort. 

Jocelyn Benito and Walters had three hits apiece for the Bears, while Emma Plybon, Kaydence Flynn, Breann Shumake and Emma Parrigon all contributed two hits apiece.

East Newton’s Gracie Ford took the loss after surrendering 11 earned runs on 17 hits. She struck out five.

Josie Guinn had two hits for the Patriots, including a double. Shaw Coburn tripled, while Ava Periman and Coburn had one RBI apiece.

The Patriots finished the season with a record of 8-13.

 

DIAMOND 1, LAMAR 0

Defending state champion Diamond survived and advanced.

The game was scoreless when the Wildcats broke through with a single tally in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Emilee Shallenburger was hit by a pitch. She went to second on Kabrie Parmley’s sac bunt and took third on a wild pitch. 

Grace Frazier’s sac fly to center allowed Shallenburger to score the game’s lone run. 

Diamond’s Caitlyn Suhrie tossed a complete-game shutout. She allowed just two hits and two walks while striking out 10.

Helping her own cause, Suhrie had two of Diamond’s four hits.

Lamar’s Lilly Weber took the loss, but she only gave up one run on four hits and a walk while striking out six.

Recording hits for the Tigers were Jaycee Doss and Ashlyn Stettler.

Lamar closes the season at 13-17.

 

Class 2 District 6 tournament
(At Spirit of 76 Park)
Saturday’s scores
(1) Mount Vernon 17, (8) Southwest 2
(5) Pierce City 5, (4) College Heights/McAuley 0
(3) Sarcoxie 12, (6) East Newton 3
(2) Diamond 1, (7) Lamar 0

Monday’s semifinals
5 p.m. — Mount Vernon vs. Pierce City
6:45 — Diamond vs. Sarcoxie

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