Kelly shuts out Sikeston on Senior Night

Kelly’s Clara Hopkins (7) bunts during a 8-0 win over Sikeston on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

BENTON, Mo. — Senior Night was a clear-cut success as Kelly soared to an 8-0 victory over Sikeston on Thursday, Oct. 3.

This win not only marked a celebratory evening for the seniors but also underscored the Lady Hawks’ (14-8) longstanding dominance in a rivalry that has been decidedly one-sided, with Kelly securing 17 consecutive wins since 2009 and outscoring the Lady Bulldogs (2-16) 246-33 in that span.

“The girls did a good job of battling, coming back and putting the ball in play,” said Kelly coach Melanie Heuring. “These seniors are such good teammates. They cheer each other on every day in practice and help each other out. They work well together and they make it fun to be at practice. They make coaching very enjoyable.”

The scoring began in the bottom of the first inning when Avree Riley capitalized on a sacrifice fly, putting Kelly ahead 1-0. The momentum continued in the second inning as Gwen Essner scored on a bunt by Clara Hopkins, extending the lead to 2-0.

The fifth inning saw Cecily Hall single to bring in Kaylee Still and Mady Johnson, doubling the score to 4-0.

In the sixth inning, Mady Johnson's single allowed Avree and Blaire Riley to cross home plate, making it 6-0.

“I’m really proud of our team,” said senior shortstop Blaire Riley. ”We’ve come such a far way with our connections and love growing. We have so much faith and trust that we’ve built.”

Hall's subsequent single scored Johnson, and Essner's run on an error sealed the commanding victory.

“Hall did big things for us at the plate when we had runners on,” Heuring said. “She gave us the boost we needed today.”

Alexis Wilson's stellar performance on the mound was also instrumental. She pitched seven shutout innings, allowing only five hits and striking out six batters.

“[Wilson] becoming more consistent,” Heuring said. “She’s improved her stamina and is able to finish games for us now. She’s been doing a good job for us.”

On the Sikeston side, Alexis Lee and Marlie Crook each managed to secure two hits.

Chloe Hamby, despite taking the loss, demonstrated her reliability by allowing only one earned run on nine hits, with five strikeouts and five walks.

Kelly takes on Windsor (6-6) and Rockwood Summit (17-6) at the Windsor Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 5.

The Lady Hawks conclude the season with a challenging stretch that includes Poplar Bluff (6-9) on Oct. 8, at Notre Dame (13-8) on Oct. 10, and Jackson (21-7) on Oct. 14.

“That’s how we always like it,” Heuring concluded. “We like to play those tougher teams at the end of the schedule to get us ready for districts, and we do have a very tough district this year.”

Sikeston will travel to North County (10-10) on Tuesday, Oct. 7.