Injury-plagued Kelly nails St. Vincent

PERRYVILLE -- Kelly's softball team is out four starters now, but that didn't keep the Lady Hawks from blistering St. Vincent 19-5 on Tuesday.

Jessica Burnett went 2-for-3 with a triple and had four RBIs, leading her team to the convincing victory.

"I've got a lot of varsity starters that are out, so it was good time for some of my jayvee to get in there and get some playing time with the varsity," said Kelly coach Rhonda Evans.

"Our starting pitcher, Whitney Beggs, is out with tonsillitis. My starting second baseman was out sick today and Kelly Essner is out with a stress fracture. It's getting tough. I've never had such a season with so many injuries and illnesses."

Michelle Collins pitched the first three innings for Kelly, allowing two hits and one walk with three strikeouts.

Freshman Kalie Hughes threw the final inning, giving up one hit, one walk and had two strikeouts.

"I'm just down to my junior pitcher, and (Collins) is doing a great job," said Evans.

"I couldn't ask for a better pitcher to step up and take charge. I hate that she's got four games on her this week, but she's looking good."

Offensively, Stephanie Hency was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Rachel Kline was 2-for-2 and Bethany Beggs was 1-for-4 with a triple.

For St. Vincent, Vallory Richardet was charged with the loss.

Their offense was led by Rachael Cannon, who blasted a home run over the left field fence, driving in two RBIs.

Kelly will host Cape Central today at 4 p.m. The Lady Hawks opened the season with Cape, losing a 1-0 heartbreaker in nine innings.

"Hopefully we will be ready to go," said Evans. "I'm looking forward to a good game."

Cape Central is undefeated against Southeast Missouri opponents this falls.