LADY TIGERS KNOCK OFF ND

Cape Girardeau Central High School's softball team picked up its second win in as many days to open the season as the Lady Tigers knocked off city rival Notre Dame 11-5 Wednesday afternoon at Arena Park.

The Lady Tigers jumped out to a 9-0 lead after three innings and coasted the rest of the way to defeat the Lady Bulldogs in their season opener.

Casi Gross pitched five innings for the win. She allowed four hits and three earned runs while striking out four. Cassie Childers hurled the final two innings, allowing two hits and no runs. Freshman Ramona Blankenship took the loss.

Central had 15 hits, with Amber Voerg and Eve Lungwitz both going 4-for-4. Voerg also drove in two runs. Katie Dougherty and Dionna Webb each added two hits.

Blankenship and Katlyn Kelly both had two hits for Notre Dame.

"We made some mistakes, but for the first game, I thought we did all right, especially with such a young team," said Notre Dame coach Jerry Grim, whose team started four freshmen Wednesday.

Central won the JV game 7-5.

Notre Dame is right back in action today, hosting Poplar Bluff. Central competes in the Cor Jesu Tournament in St. Louis Friday and Saturday.

Jackson 7, Notre Dame (SL) 3

JACKSON -- Jackson opened the season with a victory by downing the visitors from St. Louis.

Beth Becker pitched all seven innings, allowing nine hits and two earned runs. She fanned four.

The Lady Indians had 13 hits, led by Cherish Tillman with three. Emily Sander and Amanda Bollinger added two apiece while Heidi Jansen and Megan Kuntze both had two RBIs.

"It was a good way for us to start the season," said Jackson coach Becky Riney.

Jackson's JV prevailed 11-5 behind the pitching of Ashley Snell.

The Lady Indians host Hillsboro today.

St. Pius 19, St. Vincent 3

PERRYVILLE -- St. Vincent began the season with a lopsided loss at home. The game ended after six innings by the run rule.

Kindle Ernst had two hits and scored two runs for the Squaws.

"St. Pius is a good team," said St. Vincent first-year coach John Lambert. "Our youth and inexperience got the better of us but we played better than the score indicates."

St. Vincent has two games today, hosting Crystal City and Kelly.