From staff reports

sports@joplinglobe.com

Joplin High School, getting revenge from a loss in the Neosho Tournament championship earlier this season, led all the way Thursday in defeating Neosho 3-1 at home.

The Eagles took a 2-0 halftime lead on goals by Jessica Bake (assisted by Lindsay Altman at the 10-minute mark) and Stephanie Taylor (assisted by Kelsey Sanders, at the 37th minute).

Laken Neal, with an assist from Sanders, collected the final Joplin goal at the 43-minute mark.

Shelby Murray’s unassisted goal at the 78th minute was the sole tally for Neosho (5-4).

Randi Russell had eight saves for the Eagles (5-4-1).

A key for Joplin might have come in defensive play against the Wildcats’ leading scorer, Katy Rodriguez.

“Kelly Yount did a great job containing and shutting down Katy, their main offensive threat,” Eagles coach Ed Miller said. “Overall, we played a pretty good game.”

The Wildcats, who beat Joplin in two overtimes for the Neosho tourney crown, came out sluggishly in the first half.

“They came out intense and ready to play and we had no fire,” Neosho coach Brian Schibi said. “We came out a little more inspired the second half, but offensively, we were not able to put any passes together.”

BASEBALL

College Heights 12, Sheldon 2

Mason McNally banged two triples to lead College Heights to a rout of Sheldon.

The Cougars scored six runs in the fourth inning, capped off with a two-run double by Matt Sooter. Scott Austin claimed the victory, striking out six and allowing three hits in five innings of work. McNally, Sooter and Jay Watson collected two hits apiece for the Cougars.