This week's season openers for volleyball teams across Missouri saw the first official use of the rally scoring system.

Rally scoring allows teams to score on the opponents' serve, eliminating some of the significance of the sideout. Under the new rules, serves that hit the net and go over are also considered in play.

"I liked the rally scoring," Notre Dame coach Tara Stroup said after Tuesday's opener against Festus. "Rally scoring kind of plays to the defensive team. At least this way when we do get the side outs we get points for it."

Scott City coach Laura Ort said rally scoring adds a new dimension to the game.

"It makes the game more exciting," she said. "It adds an aspect of the thinking game."

Conference volleyball teams face an early test

With nearly a week of matches under their belts, SEMO Conference volleyball teams will gather for an early fight for conference supremacy.

Central and Scott City are among the area squads making the trip to Chaffee for the two-day tournament starting Tuesday.

Soccer teams hit the road for weekend tournaments

Less than two weeks into the soccer season, Central, Notre Dame and Jackson will hit the road for tournaments next weekend.

Notre Dame will head east for the Marshall County (Ky.) Tournament Saturday. Central will return to the Francis Howell Tournament Friday and Saturday. Jackson will head to Rolla for a two-day tournament starting Friday.

Games to watch

Jackson and Central will hit the field Monday in a softball make-up game. Jackson comes in with a 4-2 record, while the Tigers sit at 4-4.

Central and Notre Dame will heat up their soccer rivalry once again with a Tuesday night game at Notre Dame. The Bulldogs look to avenge a 7-0 rout to the Tigers in the Soccerfest championship.