Sikeston softball shells East Prairie

SIKESTON -- Sikeston's softball team guaranteed itself an improved season on Wednesday, clobbering East Prairie 14-2 in five innings.

The Lady Bulldogs improve to 2-8 with the victory, besting last year's mark of 1-16.

"I think we can really build on this win," said Sikeston coach Jenny Hobeck. "We've switched a few people around, and defensively we're looking a lot better."

The key in Sikeston's victory was taking control of the game first. All season the Lady Bulldogs have struggled in the early innings, only to come back and compete late when the game is too far out of reach.

But the Lady Bulldogs turned the tables on East Prairie, platting six runs in the first inning.

"We've been missing that all year," said Hobeck. Sikeston went on to add two in the second, two in the third, and four in the fourth to throw the 10-run mercy rule into effect after five frames. At the plate, Cindy Valdez was 2-for-2 with a home run. Kerri Jones was 2-for-3 with a double, and Julie Annesser was 2-for-4. Other hits came from Jessica Owens, Barbara Hobbs, Jennifer Walls and Kendra Riddle.

Owens pitched all five innings for the Lady Bulldogs, allowing five hits and four walks with three strikeouts. "I thought Jessica Owens pitched a great game," said Hobeck. "Julie Annesser started at shortstop and made a couple really good plays. Then batting, she was 2-for-4. Jennifer Walls did a good job at second, and of course, Cindy Valdez had a very good day hitting."

East Prairie's five hits came from LeAnne Hedges, Meghen Massey, Jessica Wallace, Summer Holdiness, and Heather Christian.

Massey was charged with the loss, giving up 10 hits and seven walks with three strikeouts.

Sikeston will host Notre Dame on Monday at 4 p.m. East Prairie will host Twin Rivers on Monday.

BENTON -- Kelly defeated Cape Central 2-0 on Wednesday, taking advantage of a great defensive effort and a solid outing by pitcher Natalie Lewer.

"I was really pleased with the way we hit the ball and played defense," said Kelly coach Melanie Heuring. "I also thought Natalie had a good day on the mound."

In seven innings of work, Lewer issued no walks and allowed just two hits while recording eight strikeouts.

Kelly scored its first run in the bottom of the second inning, as Cara Scherer drove in Bridgett Riley. The Lady Hawks added their second run in the fourth, as Scherer scored on a Monica Senciboy single.

"(Scherer) is having a pretty good year for us," said Heuring. "She hit the ball well for us today. I was real proud of her."

Cape Central's Holly Schnurbush was charged with the loss. She gave up six hits and two walks with five strikeouts. For Kelly, Scherer was 2-for-3. The other four hits came from Senciboy, Riley, Ashley Kern, and Allison Johnson.

Cape Central's two hits came from Wieser and Elliott. Kelly (5-0) will host Ste. Genevieve today at 4 p.m.

In Wednesday's junior varsity game, Kelly defeated Cape Central 14-3. Whitney Beggs was the winning pitcher for the Lady Hawks.