AREA PREP SPORTS; CHS SOFTBALL, JHS TENNIS NAB WINS

JACKSON -- Cape Girardeau Central High's young softball team continued its strong early-season showing Wednesday at the expense of rival Jackson.

The Lady Tigers scored nine runs over the final two innings and broke a close game wide open as they defeated the host Lady Indians 12-1.

Central improved to 4-2 while Jackson fell to 1-5.

"For a young team, this is a good start for us," said Central coach Don Lang. "They've kind of surprised me how well they've come on this early."

Jessica Keys was the winning pitcher, allowing two hits and one run in 4 1/3 innings. Kathy Michel gave up two hits and no runs over the final 2 2/3 innings.

"Both our pitchers were effective," Lang said.

The Lady Tigers were also effective at the plate with 20 hits. Ashlie Voerg had four while Amber Voerg added three to go with three runs batted in. Cassie Koch also had three hits.

Amy Harris, Michelle Lunsford, Courtney Haman and Jennifer Daume all added two hits, with Harris having four RBIs.

"We hit the ball well, especially the last two innings," said Lang, whose squad had a combined 10 hits in the sixth and seventh.

Staci Seabaugh had two hits for Jackson. Beth Becker was the losing pitcher.

Central also won the JV game 15-5.

Both teams will be back in action today on the road, Central against Kelly and Jackson against Poplar Bluff.

GIRLS TENNIS

Jackson 5, Charleston 4

CHARLESTON -- Jackson beat Charleston in tennis for the first time in several years Wednesday, improving to 3-0 on the season.

"It was a great win for the girls; they were excited," said Jackson coach Linda Adams. "I told (the team) they played like tennis players, not people who just play tennis."

The two teams split their six singles matches, but the Lady Indians took two of the three doubles matches to win. Jackson's JV lost 11-2.

Jackson hosts Farmington today.

Jackson 5, Charleston 4

Singles

Sayler Ault (C) def. Sarah Culbertson (J), 8-0

Lynn Casteel (J) def. Jennifer O'Rourke (C), 8-5

Lena Steinberg (J) def. Whitney Delay (C), 8-1

Mary Margaret Story (C) def. Lauren Young (J), 9-7

Laura Jane Whitehead (C) def. Beth Lefebvre (J), 8-5

Annie Lefebvre (J) def. Amy Whitehead (C), 8-4

Doubles

Casteel-Steinberg (J) def. Ault-O'Rourke, 8-4

Culbertson-Young (J) def. Delay-A.Whitehead, 8-2

Story-L.J.Whitehaed (C) def. A.Lefebvre-B.Lefebvre, 8-4

Jackson JV winners: Addie Probst, Maggie Martin