SHS places fifth in ND tourney

CAPE GIRARDEAU - The Sikeston Lady Bulldog softball team placed fifth in the Notre Dame Tournament on Saturday in Cape Girardeau, going 2-1 in the event.

Sikeston lost its first game to Poplar Bluff 5-4 in 10 innings. But they rebounded to defeat Delta 4-3 and then beat Ste. Genevieve 6-1 in the consolation championship.

Against Poplar Bluff, Sikeston got on top in the first inning when Barb Hobbs scored on Ali Blurton's double over the left fielder's head.

Poplar Bluff took the lead in the bottom of the first on a two-run home run by Kris Ploetze.

Sikeston came back with three runs in the third inning. Another double by Blurton brought in two runs for Sikeston. An Erin Wibbenmeyer single drove in Blurton to give the Lady Bulldogs a 4-2 lead.

But Sikeston's lead was short-lived as the Lady Mules scored one run in the fourth, sixth and the winning run in the bottom of the 10th.

Even with the loss, the game was much more competitive compared to Sikeston's 12-1 loss to Poplar Bluff two weeks ago.

Molly Brinkmeyer was the losing pitcher for Sikeston, striking out five and walking two in all 10 innings.

Blurton's two doubles and three RBIs paced the Lady Bulldog attack. Others were Paige Silverthorn (2-5), Hobbs (2-4), Brinkmeyer (1-5, double), Wibbenmeyer (1-5, RBI), Aly Friend (1-5) and Beth Ziegenhorn (2-3).

Against Delta, Blurton was the winning pitcher as she faced 30 batters in seven innings. She struck out seven, walked two and allowed six hits. She was helped by a strong defense that committed just one error.

Offensively Sikeston was led by Silverthorn (1-4), Hobbs (2-4, RBI), Blurton (1-4), Julie Annesser (1-3), Friend (1-3, double) and Ziegenhorn (1-3).

In the consolation championship, Brinkmeyer was the winning pitcher as she faced 29 batters in seven innings. She struck out eight, walked one and allowed seven hits. Again, the Lady Bulldog defense was strong with just one error.

Leading hitters against Ste. Genevieve were Hobbs (2-4), Brinkmeyer (2-2, triple), Blurton (2-4), Wibbenmeyer (1-2, 2 RBIs), Friend (1-3, RBI) and Ziegenhorn (1-3).

Sikeston is now 6-2 on the season and will host Cape Central today at 4 p.m.