LADY TIGERS WIN KICKOFF CLASSIC

Entering the championship match of the Lady Bulldog/Tiger Kickoff Classic girls soccer tournament, neither Cape Central nor Jackson had allowed a goal this season.

The teams' tight defenses showed no signs of letting up Thursday at Shawnee Park.

After Central and Jackson both went through regulation and a sudden death overtime without a score, Central outscored Jackson 3-2 in the shootout to sneak away with the title.

In the third place match Poplar Bluff beat Carbondale (Ill.) 1-0 and Notre Dame recorded its first win in school history as it beat Marion (Ill.) 6-0 to take fifth.

In the championship, after both teams missed on its first attempt in the shootout, both made its second attempt -- Nichole Thiele made the Lady Tigers' attempt while Jennifer Brown scored for Jackson.

Jackson (2-1) then missed its third try, while Abby Harris scored for Central (3-0). In the fourth round, both Central's Kim Aslinger and Jackson's Julie Wunderlich were successful.

Jackson missed its fifth attempt, sealing the win for the Lady Tigers.

Said Jackson coach Bonnie Knowlan, "We went in knowing how strong Central was. We decided to drop back and play defense. For this early in the season, we have them a strong run for their money."

Central and Jackson will hook up again Tuesday at Lou Muegge Field.

"I'm sure (Jackson) will come out with fire in their eyes," said Central coach Tom Doyle.

In Notre Dame's victory, six different Lady Bulldogs scored.

Jaymie Frank, Jennifer Glueck, Christine Kimball, Beth Essner, Sara Westrich and Jill Edwards scored for Notre Dame.

"This was a pretty big day for us," said Notre Dame coach Jeff Worley. "Things really clicked for us today. To have so many girls score is big for us.

"We didn't have six girls score through all of last season. This will give us a lot of confidence for the rest of the season."

Notre Dame improved to 1-1-1.