Kelly ends regular season with win over Poplar Bluff

BENTON -- Kelly's softball team ended the regular season on Tuesday, beating Poplar Bluff 3-1 in a make-up game from last week.

With the victory, the Lady Hawks take a record of 16-6 into the district tournament, which starts on Friday.

"This was kind of our senior night, since it was our last regular season home game," said Kelly coach Rhonda Evans. "It was nice to get a win, it has been a great season. As a team, the girls didn't let themselves get down when we had several key players out earlier in the year. They stepped up and did the job."

Michelle Collins pitched the first six inning for Kelly, allowing one earned run on four hits and three walks. She took six batters down via strikeout.

Whittney Beggs threw the final inning, recording two strikeouts.

Kelly's offense was led by Monica Senciboy, who was 2-for-3 with two runs and four stolen bases.

"That's the way she's been since she was a freshman," said Evans. "You can always depend on her to come in and get stolen bases and get bunts down. She's a quick little runner and as a third baseman, nothing gets by her. She's got a rocket throwing it to first."

Bethany Beggs was 2-for-3 with a double and Jessica Burnett was 1-for-3. Kelly Essner also scored a run.

For Poplar Bluff, K. Ploetze was charged with the loss. The Lady Mules saw hits from Lisa Wilson, Garrison, Beth Forester and Ploetze.

Kelly will host the district tournament this year and drew a first round bye. Games will be played on Friday, followed by the district championship on Saturday.

"We've got to win in our district before we can worry about going anywhere else," said Evans. "We have to be sound on not only defense and offense, but mentally as well. If you're not in the game, it's going to come out from under your feet."

Over the weekend, Kelly took second place in the Jackson Tournament.

In the first game of the tournament, the Lady Hawks beat Seckman 2-1. Whittney Beggs recorded 15 strikeouts in the win, allowing three hits and two walks.

At the plate, Jessica Burnett was 2-for-3, Rachel Kline was 2-for-2 and Ashley Kern had two RBIs.

In their second game, the Lady Hawks beat Sullivan 2-1. Michelle Collins was the winning pitcher. Offensively, Ashley Rockett led the way, batting 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a home run.

Kelly lost to Lutheran South in the championship game, 3-2. Collins and Beggs both pitched in the loss.

Kelly Essner went 2-for-4 at the plate.

PERRYVILLE -- Delta blanked St. Vincent 2-0 on Tuesday to end the regular season with a record of 13-6.

The Lady Bobcats got a first round bye in the upcoming district tournament, which starts on Thursday in Thayer.

"We've had a great year," said Delta coach Scott Crabtree. "If not for injuries, I think we would've only lost one game. It has been a great season so far. All the girls are focused right now. Hopefully we can make it to state this year."

Sarah Cook got the win on Tuesday, improving her personal record to 11-5. In seven innings, she allowed two hits with no walks and four strikeouts.