AREA SPORTS

The Highland Lady Cougar Softball Team fell to 2-1 (0-1 in the Clarence Cannon Conference) after a heartbreaking 5-3 loss to the Centralia Lady Panthers.  The Lady Panthers jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead after a half inning thanks to a lead off single by Mallory Henry.  Erin VanMaanen followed her with a triple that scored Henry, Jordyn Tolliver then doubled to score VanMaanen.  A wild pitch allowed Tolliver to move to third and she later scored when Felicia McCann stuck out but had to be thrown out at first to complete the out.

Brashear softball has the challenge of finding ways to replace six graduating seniors from their 11-8 team in 2006. The Lady Tigers finished fourth in the Tri-County Conference with a 5-3 mark. Four all conference players return including all-district selections Christina Scudder and Hailee Kelsey. Carmen Woods was a second team conference pick and Jessi Hill made the honorable mention squad.

The Brashear Tigers return eight full or part time starters from their fourth place Tri-County Conference baseball team of a year ago. Kale Watson and Jacob Shipman are three year starters and come back for their senior baseball campaigns.

Brittany Miller struck out 17 Atlanta batters and Hannah Dale hit a two run homer leading Knox County (1-1) to a 6-0 victory at Atlanta. The August 21 contest saw the Lady Eagles rap out nine hits on the night.

 The 2007 Knox County Varsity Softball Tournament field has been set with the first pitch at 9AM, Saturday September 1. Pool play will take place on the Knox County High School Softball Field and at Pauline Campbell Field in Edina.

Whitney Kroeger slammed a second inning homer and drove in five runs, backing up a ten strikeout pitching performance leading Palmyra (2-0) to a 12-3 win at Knox County (1-2) in August 23 varsity softball action. The contest was the first game played at the newly renovated Knox County R-I softball and baseball complex.

Canton countered a first inning Knox County score with five tallies in the bottom of the first inning of an August 20, 2007 season opener for both teams and went on to post an 11-1 five inning win. The contest was the first 2007 varsity softball action for both teams.

Advancing maturity along with a solid off season training performance are keys to Knox County improving their 2-8 overall varsity football record from last season. The Eagles go into their conference and season opener against Schuyler County looking to replace their leading ground gainer along with one of their better linemen and two speed players.