CAPE, JACKSON PREP SOFTBALL TEAMS DEFEATED

Cape Girardeau Central High's softball team started its season Wednesday afternoon with a tough 5-4 loss to visiting Oakville.

After Central rallied with three runs in the fourth for a 3-3 tie, the St. Louis squad got a run in the fifth and one in the sixth. Central scored its final tally in the seventh but fell just short.

The Lady Tigers had only four hits. Ashley Voerg had a two-run single in the fourth while Jennifer Daume had an RBI double in the seventh. Amber Voerg tripled and Michelle Lunsford had the other hit.

Jessie Keys was the losing pitcher. She worked the first six innings, allowing all five runs, but one of them earned. Kathy Michel hurled a scoreless seventh.

Central's JV also lost to Oakville 12-6. Katie Dougherty went 3-for-4 with a double and 2 RBIs in the loss.

Central will return to action this weekend in the Cor Jesu Tournament in St. Louis. Pool play action will see the Lady Tigers face Cor Jesu at 6 p.m. Friday, Rosary at 8 p.m. Friday and Lindbergh at 9 a.m. Saturday.

St. Louis Notre Dame 6

Jackson 3

JACKSON -- Jackson also opened its softball season with a loss Wednesday as seven errors led to a win for visiting Notre Dame from St. Louis.

The Lady Indians had six hits. Melissa Palmer doubled twice and drove in two runs while Jessica Sander added two hits.

Christy Teets was the losing pitcher even though she allowed just one earned run.

"We just made too many errors," said Jackson coach Becky Riney. "I thought Christy pitched pretty well."

Jackson will also take part in the Cor Jesu tourney this weekend. Friday, the Lady Indians play Rosati Kain at 6 p.m. and Notre Dame in a rematch at 8 p.m., then Saturday they take on Lutheran South at 9 a.m.

GIRLS TENNIS

Jackson 9

Chaffee 0

CHAFFEE -- Jackson got its tennis season off on the right foot Wednesday with a 9-0 win over Chaffee.

The Lady Indians won every match handily, with no Chaffee player coming closer than an 8-2 defeat. Jackson's junior varsity also swept Chaffee in six matches.

"For our first match the girls performed well," said Jackson coach Linda Adams. "This team is very dedicated and they want to do their best. I expect them to play their best every time out."

Jackson will host Caruthersville Tuesday. Chaffee is scheduled to host Sikeston.

Results of the matches Wednesday:

Sarah Culbertson (J) def. Amanda Ford, 8-1

Lynn Casteel (J) def. Betsy Rice, 8-1

Lene Steinberg (J) def. Jill Graham, 8-0

Lauren Young (J) def. Adrian Meyr, 8-2

Beth Lefebvre (J) def. Kristine Bailey, 8-1

Emily O'Loughlin (J) def. Jenine Sadler, 8-2

Doubles

Casteel-Steinberg (J) def. Ford-Rice, 8-1

Culbertson-Young (J) def. Graham-Meyr, 8-0

Lefebvre-O'Loughlin (J) def. Baily-Sadler, 8-0

JV Winners: (singles) Annie Lefebvre (J), Brooke Stephens (J), Patti Propst (J), Sarah Propst (J); (doubles) Melanie Cobb-Maggie Martin (J), Jessica Seabaugh-Jessica Nelson (J)