Charleston softball team spoils Clarkton's senior night

CLARKTON – On a sunny afternoon made for softball, the Clarkton softball team fell to Charleston 12-2 on senior night in a game filled with errors and stolen bases.

From the first seconds on offense, Clarkton battled for any kind of traction to keep up with Charleston, who ended the first inning leading the hosts 4-2 after leaving two Lady Reindeer stranded on base.

Charleston head coach Dollette Jones her team entered the game "in high spirits," and she explained that their goal is to "be up and stay" up.

"We came in centered on teamwork," Jones said. "Our communications on and off the field are improving and that's what is picking up our game, we're picking up each other.”

The second inning began with Blue Jays Bailey Eastman and Danisha Jackson striking out followed by Charleston catcher Soma Hooper hitting to short and a stand-up triple, the result of a number of bobbled balls and errors.

The third inning went by scoreless, but the Blue Jays added another run in the fourth as Jackson scored on an error.

Charleston left two on base and Clarkton's Katona King stepped to the plate. King was walked before the next three Lady Reindeer struck out to end the inning 5-2 in favor of Charleston.

Saylor Humphrey led Charleston in the circle for five innings. She allowed two hits and five walks but struck out 11 batters.

Charleston scored six more runs in the top of the fifth inning to win by run rule. Akydra Rivers, Soma Hooper, Kari Murphy, Kadence McIlroy, Gracie Smith and Saylor Humphrey all crossed home by the end of the fifth.

Clarkton batter Nayely Rivera tracks a pitch Monday at Clarkton. Steve Hankins, Delta Dunklin Democrat

Clarkton head coach Christina Mathis said despite the loss and a less-than-stellar season record, she was proud of the team's progress throughout the season.

"Our girls have come a long way," Mathis said. "They've improved so much from last year and our pitching has improved a great deal.”

"Our defense has gotten a lot better," she continued. "We had some players out from illness and injuries who could have helped us out today. I'm just really proud of all of them sticking it out and playing hard for us. The umpire gave us a really good compliment today. He said of the three games he's umped, our girls' attitude was positive and they played with spirit. That's what I'm most proud of."

Clarkton faces Puxico at home Tuesday. Thursday, Richland travels to Clarkton for the annual pink-out game. Charleston travels to Malden Tuesday at 4:30 p.m., for their final regular season game.

Clarkton softball seniors Elizabeth Burchell and Briana Love flanked by Lady Reindeer coaches Monday at Clarkton. Steve Hankins, Delta Dunklin Democrat