Sullivan Gets No. 1 Seed in District 9 Tournament

Sullivan will be the No. 1 seed in the Class 3 District 9 tournament at Bank of Sullivan Ballpark Oct. 4-6.

The Lady Eagles (20-2) are going for their 10th straight district championship. Should they win in the semifinals on Thursday, Oct. 5 against either St. James (13-10) or Salem (12-6) they would likely get a rematch with Helias (18-5) in the championship game.

Sullivan upset No. 2 seed Southern Boone and No. 1 Helias en route to the title in 2016.

Both teams will look similar when they take the field Thursday. Both were led by a crop of freshmen and sophomores. In Helias’ 6-0 win over Rock Bridge on Sept. 25, the Crusaders started seven sophomores and two juniors.

Sullivan and Helias have two common opponents — both teams defeated Borgia and Branson. Helias topped Borgia 3-0, while Sullivan won 6-1.

Helias starter Lauren Howell struck out 14 and no-hit the Lady Knights. Sullivan’s Addison Purvis allowed just two hits and struck out 10.

See the Oct. 4 issue for more on next week's tournament.