After one-half inning, Republic looked like it might face an early exit from the district softball tournament at Joplin. Neosho scored three runs in the top of the first to take the lead against the favored Lady Tigers.
But Republic answered quickly and decisively. The Lady Tigers scored six runs in the bottom of the first, then answered every Neosho scoring outburst with one of their own.
Neosho scored a single run in the 2nd, and Republic scored one, too. Neosho scored three in the 4th, Republic answered with four. Only in the 5th and 6th innings, when the Lady Tigers put six more runs on the board, did the game get out of hand.
Republic softball beat Neosho in the first round of districts 17-7 in 6 innings. Racheal Michealis was 3-for-4 with a home run to lead the offense. Angel Serles, Abby Norris and Caty Eby also had three hits apiece. Eby and Michaelis each had four runs batted in.
The Lady Tigers advance to play Webb City in the district semifinal. Webb City is 21-4, and seeded #2 in the tournament. Republic is the #3 seed, with a record of 17-9 heading into tomorrow’s game.
