From staff reports

sports@joplinglobe.com

Joplin teams McAuley Catholic and College Heights Christian are among the prep softball teams scheduled to launch postseason play today in area district tournaments.

Class 2 College Heights and Class 1 McAuley will travel to Purdy and Wheaton, respectively.

The Class 3 District 12 Tournament at Seneca also will start today.

The Class 4 District 12 Tournament at Carthage won’t begin until Thursday.

Diamond, the No. 1 seed in the Class 2 District 8 Tournament at Purdy, has a bye. Today’s first-round schedule is No. 2 Purdy vs. Marionville at 1:30 p.m., Southwest (3) vs. Sarcoxie at 3:30 and No. 4 Pierce City vs. College Heights at 5:30.

Semifinals at Purdy are set for 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 on Thursday. The title will be decided at 5 p.m. on Friday.

McAuley will challenge third-seeded Wheaton on its field at 2 p.m. in the first round of the six-team Class 1 District 3 Tournament.

Top seed Walnut Grove and No. 2 Miller have the byes at Wheaton.

Today’s other game is fourth-seeded Billings vs. Dadeville at 4.

Semifinals at Wheaton are set for 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 on Thursday. The championship will be determined Friday at 5.

Today’s 3:30 p.m. contest at Seneca is between fourth-seeded East Newton and Monett.

Favored McDonald County has the bye at Seneca. Thursday’s slate at the Seneca Softball Complex is No. 3 Carl Junction vs. Lamar at 3:30 and No. 2 Seneca vs. Nevada at 5:30.

Friday’s semifinals are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and 5:30. The final will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday.