SOFTBALL: LAWSON STOPS KELLY IN CLASS 2A SEMIFINAL

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The close game Kelly coach Melanie Heuring anticipated did materialize. The way it happened was her worst nightmare.

Kelly's shaky defense doomed the team to a 2-1 loss to Lawson in a Class 2A semifinal contest on Friday.

The Lady Hawks outhit their opponent six to five, but committed five errors.

Marissa Essner went the distance and took the loss. She allowed five hits, struck out five and issued two walks.

Lawson scored both its runs -- all unearned -- in the second inning. Kelly (20-3) got one back in the sixth as Bridgett Riley picked up the RBI.

Collecting Kelly's hits with one each were Dana Essner, Marissa Essner, Megan Beggs, Nicole Kern, Allison Johnson and Riley.

Shelly MacDonald picked up the win for Lawson (23-2), allowing six hits while striking out 10 and walking none.

Kelly will play for third-place today.