Seckman knocks Central out of softball postseason

ST. LOUIS -- Seckman blasted two home runs as it ended Central's softball season Wednesday with a 5-1 victory in a Class 4 sectional game.

Kelsey Harmon delivered the big blow for Seckman (26-3) with a three-run blast with two out in the bottom of the second. The home run came after Central's only error of the game allowed the first run to score and kept the inning alive. All four runs in the inning were unearned.

"The error wasn't the only thing to cost us," said Central coach Amy Blattel, whose team finished the season at 21-6. " We hit the ball hard all day long. We just hit it right at people."

Ashley Miller added a solo home run in the sixth. Seckman had only five hits off Tiger pitcher Megan McDonald (18-6).

Central managed just three hits off winning pitcher Olivia Nash, who did not strike out or walk a batter.

"Seckman had very solid defense and deserved to win the game," Blattel said.

The Tigers scored their lone run in the sixth.

"I thought our girls played well and fought hard all way to the end," Blattel said. "I'm disappointed we had to lose the game, but we had a great season."

In other sectional softball, Purdy defeated Delta 4-2 in Class 1. Elsberry edged Kelly 2-1 in a Class 2 matchup. Further details were not available.

VOLLEYBALL

Notre Dame 15-15, Sikeston 2-3

Notre Dame (27-4-1), the top-ranked team in the SEMO Top 10 poll, went on the road and handled Sikeston with ease.

Amanda Dirnberger led the bulldogs with 12 service points. Ali Tyson and Erin Pfau had four kills apiece while Sommer McCauley had seven assists.

Notre Dame's JV won in straight sets.

Meadow Heights 15-15, St.Vincent 12-12

Meadow Heights (12-9-1) used a balance offensive attack to win at home.

St. Vincent (10-15-2) had a big night from Sierra Paulus, who had 10 service points, one ace and three kills. Mary Beth Reiss added three kills and two blocks while Danny Emmendorfer added six assists.

Meadow Heights' JV won 15-7,15-6.

NMCC 6-15-15, Oran 15-3-3

Oran failed to build on the momentum of an opening-game win as New Madrid County Central rallied for a home victory.

Teresa Hodges paced Oran (9-13) with five service points, three kills and three blocks. Tori St. Cin had eight points and five digs.

New Madrid County Central won the JV match 15-12, 15-4.

Chaffee 15-15-15, Hayti 17-11-12

Jennifer Vandeven hammered out 20 kills and collected 10 service points as Chaffee rallied for a road win.

Mallory Kiefer led the defensive effort for Chaffee (7-14) with 18 digs. Ashton Lee had 25 assists and two aces.

Hayti won the JV match 15-3, 15-6.

-- From staff reports