Cardinals softball celebrates senior night with win over Joplin

Webb City's softball team celebrated its five seniors with a 10-3 win over rival Joplin on Thursday at Webb City High School. The game marked the COC West opener for both teams, giving Webb City an early lead in the conference standings. Senior night holds a special place for the Cardinals, as head coach Kathy Harris noted, "Senior night is always a special night, but to be able to celebrate our seniors with a win makes it even more meaningful."

Joplin managed to score first in the top of the first inning when Bella Munn, turning 17, drove in a run on Mariah Hagans' double. The Cardinals evened the score in the bottom of the first when Jayden Houston's bunt advanced Abby Sargent, who later drove in a run in the bottom of the third. Webb City took a 2-1 lead in the third inning after Brecklyn Sargent's sacrifice scored her sister Abby.

The Cardinals extended their lead to 3-1 in the fourth inning with a home run by Chasney Brown. Webb City solidified their 4-1 lead in the fifth inning when Smotherman scored on an Eagles outfield error. Joplin fought back with two runs in the top of the sixth, thanks to Jessica Madl's homer and a Daniella Diaz RBI. The Cardinals responded with a five-run inning, featuring Brown's triple to right field that drove in Brecklyn Sargent and Jayden Houston, giving Webb City the commanding 10-3 lead.

Brown finished the game 2 for 3 with three RBIs and a run, while Abby Sargent went 2 for 2 with three runs scored. Brecklyn Sargent contributed 1 for 3 with two RBIs and two runs. Webb City's Burns pitched a complete game, allowing three runs on seven hits, striking out six and walking four. Grace Riggs led the Eagles at bat with a 2 for 3 performance.

Madl contributed 1 for 3 with two RBIs and a run for Joplin. Joplin's Ella Watts allowed 10 runs, four earned, on nine hits, striking out three and walking three over 5 2/3 innings. Webb City will compete in the University of Central Missouri tournament this weekend in Warrensburg, while Joplin will travel to Monett for a game on Monday.