HILLSBORO ENDS JACKSON'S SOFTBALL SEASON

FESTUS -- Jackson High's softball team came up on the short end of a premier pitching duel Thursday night as the Lady Indians were eliminated from the Class 4A playoffs.

Hillsboro pushed across a run in the fifth inning to beat Jackson 1-0 in a sectional game at Festus' West City Park.

The Lady Indians end their season at 19-10 while the Lady Hawks move into Saturday's quarterfinals with a 25-3 record.

Hillsboro's Beth Bailey allowed just one runner the entire game, that coming on a leadoff single by Cherish Tillman in the second inning. Bailey struck out five and did not walk a batter.

Jackson's Beth Becker was almost as good, giving up three hits and no walks.

"Beth pitched an awesome game. She kept them off balance," said Jackson coach Becky Riney of her hurler. "But I have to give Bailey credit. She was pitching that curve ball that has a rise to it and we kept popping it up all night."

Despite the loss, Riney was extremely proud of her team, which captured Jackson's second straight district title -- the first two fall district softball titles in school history.

"I'm very disappointed for the seniors because I've worked with this group since they were 12 years old," Riney said. "But I'm very pleased and proud of what they accomplished. Any time you can get district championships back to back it's a great accomplishment."