CANTON SOFTBALL TO FACE STOUTLAND IN CLASS 1 SEMI FINAL

The Canton Lady Tigers softball team will continue their quest for a second state title in three years when they face the Stoutland Lady Tigers in a Class 1 Semi Final Friday at 11 am at the Killian Softball Complex in Springfield. In 2017 Canton claimed the school’s first ever state title with a 6-1 victory over Pilot Grove. This year’s Canton’s squad stands a good chance of repeating the feat. Canton coach Jonathan Bastian says pitcher Abbey Hultz is one key factor to the team’s success.

right-click to download mp3

Meanwhile the offense for Canton has been explosive this season. Canton broke open Saturday’s quarterfinal against Norborne with 12 runs over the final two innings to roll by a final score of 14-1. Bastian says the quarterfinal performance was an example of his team’s hitting mentality.

right-click to download mp3

Canton brings a 22-1 record with them to Springfield. Countering the Canton Lady Tigers are the Stoutland Lady Tigers. Stoutland is making their first ever appearance in the MSHSAA Softball Final Four. They won just their third district title in program history by defeating Vienna 10-3. They then followed that up with convincing 7-1 victories over Norwood and Weaubleau in the sectional and quarterfinal rounds respectively. Pitching and defense have been a strength throughout the season for Stoutland as they have posted eleven shutouts on their way to a 19-3-1 record.