A total of 22 players were selected to the all-state softball teams, which were released last weekend by the Missouri High School Fastpitch Coaches Association.
Russellville senior Cali Coombs was one of 50 players selected to the all-region softball team by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Coombs, the Lady Indians’ center fielder, was one of three outfielders to make the Region I all-region first team. The region consisted of players from Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska, which all play fall softball.
It was a game the Helias Lady Crusaders might have wanted to forget. But it was one that may have gotten them to where they are today: the Class 4 softball semifinals. On Oct. 3, Helias jumped out to an early 4-0 lead against Capital City. But the Lady Cavaliers didn’t quit and rallied for a 5-4 victory against the Lady Crusaders. It may have been the wake-up call Helias needed as it will take a six-game winning streak into today’s Class 4 semifinal game against Washington. First pitch is scheduled for noon at the Killian Softball Complex in Springfield.
The Helias Lady Crusaders will play for a state championship, taking advantage of breaks and coming up with outs when they needed them to win 5-1 in Thursday s Class 4 semifinal game against the Washington Blue Jays at Killian Softball Complex. Helias (28-6), ranked No. 2 in Class 4, will face eighth-ranked Kearney (25-8) for the state title at 10 a.m. Friday. Kearney defeated Warrenton 6-3 in Thursday s other semifinal game.
The group of eight seniors for the Helias Lady Crusaders refused to let their high school volleyball careers end Tuesday night on the floor of Fleming Fieldhouse. The Lady Crusaders dropped the first two sets, but they rallied to win the final three to claim the Class 4 District 5 title against the Jefferson City Lady Jays with a 19-25, 20-25, 25-21, 25-20, 15-12 victory.