Kelly eliminated by Strafford in Class 2 tourney

Kelly's dream of back-to-back Class 2 softball state championships was dashed Wednesday, as the Hawks fell to Strafford 4-2 in a sectional game at Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff, Mo.

The Hawks ended their season at 19-11, while Strafford improved to 26-1 and will play in a quarterfinal game Saturday.

Kelly got its first taste of teams from the western part of the state in sectional play this season after moving from District 1 to District 5.

"I was anxious to see what Springfield's got as far as the quarterfinals," Kelly coach Rhonda Ratledge said. "I guess we'll see it next year."

Wednesday's sectional started out well for the Hawks, with Mindy Robert's two-run single in the third inning giving Kelly a 2-0 lead.

Strafford chipped away with a run in the fifth. With two out and none on in the sixth, Strafford used a single, a walk and a triple to score two more. Kelly allowed an unearned run in the seventh to complete the scoring.

Kalie Hughes took the loss for Kelly. Hughes walked eight batters, struck out 12 and allowed seven hits.

Kelly will lose just three seniors from its roster as it attempts to continue its playoff tradition next season.

"I lost three seniors," Ratledge said. "It's not like losing six. We'll definitely be able to come back and hopefully get there again."

Strafford 4, Kelly 2

Strafford 000 012 01 -- 4 7 1

Kelly 002 000 0 -- 2 5 2

WP -- Alexander. LP -- Kalie Hughes. 3B -- Burnham (S). 2B -- Summer Proctor (K), Bracamonte (S). Multiple hits -- Strafford, King 2-4. Records -- Kelly 19-11, Strafford 26-1.