Softball team drops opener

Sikeston's Kerri Jones attempts to beat a Twin Rivers throw to third base in the first inning of Wednesday's game. Jones was out on the play.
(Staff Photo)

[Click to enlarge]

But in the mind of Sikeston head coach Jenny Hobeck, the loss was a step in the right direction.

Although the final score appears lopsided, the game was actually tied at 13-13 heading into the seventh inning. Last season, Twin Rivers spanked Sikeston 11-1 in five innings, so Hobeck saw some improvement.

"I think we played a lot better game than last year," said Hobeck. "We gave them a run for their money and they usually have a pretty tough team. I saw a lot of positive things today."

Sikeston's Jessica Owens took the loss, pitching all seven innings. She walked seven and struck out one.

Owens was one of the Lady Bulldogs' top hitters, collecting three hits including two doubles with two RBIs. Jennifer Walls and Kendra Riddle with three hits each. Riddle had two RBIs and Walls had one.

Others were Kerri Jones (2B), Misti Clark (1B, RBI), Jessica Hardy (1B, RBI), Marissa White (2 RBIs), Jessica Denton (RBI), Megan Knickman (RBI) and Sarah Reaves (RBI).

The Lady Royals scored eight runs in the top of the seventh to put the game away.

"We made a few errors and the game got away from us a little bit," said Hobeck. "We just kind of broke down in that last inning."

Sikeston will play at Poplar Bluff on Friday at 4 p.m.