Poplar Bluff topples Jackson

Jackson and Poplar Bluff met for the third time this season Thursday night at Jackson in what could be a preview of the Class 4 District 1 volleyball semifinals.

The Mules got the better of Jackson for the second time, winning 25-13, 23-25, 25-16 in the regular-season finale for both teams.

District play begins Monday at Poplar Bluff with Jackson (18-10-3) seeded second and Poplar Bluff (23-9-1) third.

"I know we have the talent to play at district and to win," Jackson coach Nancy Ellis said. "It just depends on the girls that show up."

Poplar Bluff dominated the opening game. Jackson's only lead came at 2-1 as the Mules ran away with it. Five service errors from Jackson prevented any comebacks for the Indians.

Jackson jumped ahead early in the second game. After Poplar Bluff tied it late, the Indians held on for the close win. The deciding game was close early before Poplar Bluff delivered the knockout punch with eight straight points after Jackson had tied the score 11-11.

Molly Hartmann and Shay Priester led Jackson with five kills apiece. Jodie Gipson added four blocks and 10 assists, Rebecca Martin had four kills and Roxy Hudak had seven assists.

Laura Collins led Poplar Bluff with 11 kills, Sandra Pratt had seven blocks and Kassie Stonecipher had four aces.

Jackson won the JV match 25-14, 25-19 to finish 17-7-4.

-- Jeremy Joffray

Saxony 25-25

Chaffee 14-21

Saxony Lutheran won its second match in two nights to improve to 5-20 on the season.

Kasey Welker had four kills and 16 digs, Stacey Manche had four kills and six digs, Meredith Hoffman had nine assists, and Nicole Petzoldt had four kills.

Saxony had beaten Marquand 25-7, 25-21 last night.

JV -- Saxony beat Chaffee in two sets.

MCSAA tournament

New Salem Baptist went 3-0 in pool play at the Missouri Christian School Athetic Association volleyball tournament. New Salem defeated St. Louis Christian, Training Center and New Life Christian.

MacKenzie Jones had six aces in the win over St. Louis Christian, Mary Poole had nine kills in the win over Training Center and Poole had five aces against Life Christian. Laura Poole combined for 25 aces in three matches.

OTHER EVENTS

Central JV Soccer Tournament

Poplar Bluff won the Central JV Tournament, beating Notre Dame in a shootout. The score was tied 2-2 after regulation on goals from Richard Marquart and Ty Williams for Notre Dame.

Carbondale beat Jackson 4-3 for third. Central settled for seventh after beating Kennett 10-0.

Central goals -- Brooks Osburn (2), Matt Hester (2), Jakob Hammam (2), Matt Compass, Jordan Zaruba, Tyler McNabb and Rob Weir.

-- From staff reports