From staff reports

sports@joplinglobe.com

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Joplin Eagles got a Kelsey Sanders goal in the 42nd minute and held on for a 1-0 soccer victory over the Kickapoo Chiefs on Tuesday.

“Tonight, everybody played hard and contributed,” Joplin coach Ed Miller said. “Kickapoo is always a powerhouse in this area and for us to step up and beat them is big. The girls were tired, but they never gave up.”

The Eagles (8-5, 2-2 Ozark Conference) picked up a free kick at the beginning of the second half. After the ball was put into play, Lauren Schwab kicked it to Taylor, drawing goalie Jessica McCutcheon out. Taylor then sailed the ball over McCutcheon’s head and into the net.

Joplin goalie Randi Russell had 11 saves in picking up the shutout. Kickapoo outshot the Eagles 13-7.

The Eagles return to action on Thursday with a home match against Willard. The varsity will play at 4:30 p.m. followed by the junior varsity.

BASEBALL

Eagles top Hillcrest

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Home runs jump-started the Joplin offense as the Eagles whipped Hillcrest 10-5 in an Ozark Conference game.

Senior Shayne Hoke hit a two-run homer in the first inning and senior Travis Kunce added a two-run shot in the third for a 4-0 lead.

The Hornets cut the deficit to 6-4 before Joplin struck for three more runs in the top of the sixth.

“We actually swung the bats pretty well today,” said Kirk Harryman, Joplin coach. “Shayne gave us a big lift in the first and we had the 4-0 lead with Travis’ homer.

“I liked the way we answered after they cut into our lead.”

Junior shortstop Dane Kolkmeyer led the offense with a 4-for-5 day which included three steals and three runs scored. Junior second baseman Taylor Byrd had two hits and two RBI.