Sullivan, Savannah Set For Class 3 Championship

Sullivan and Savannah were two of the best teams in Class 3 last season and nearly a year later, it hasn’t changed.

The two teams will meet on Friday at Killian Softball Complex in Springfield for the Class 3 championship.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Sullivan defeated Savannah 10-2 in last season’s semifinal.

The Savages (18-1) went on to defeat Incarnate Word Academy for third place.

While Sullivan (20-9) has replaced half of its lineup from last season, the Savages look mostly the same.

Savannah returns eight from its lineup and they feature senior pitcher Kenzie Schopfer, a Wichita State commit.

Schopfer buzzed her way through Blair Oaks in Saturday’s other Class 3 semifinal, carrying the Savages to a 1-0 victory.

She scattered three hits and struck out 10.

Savannah had just one hit — a solo blast from Kaia Calloway in the sixth inning.

They struck out 12 times and walked just once against Alexis Findley, a Southeastern Louisiana commit.

Calloway also hit one of Savannah’s two homers in last season’s semifinal against the Lady Eagles.

Savannah is located in northwestern Missouri and the teams have no common opponents this season.

Behind Schopfer, the Savages have allowed fewer than two runs per game.

Schopfer has thrown 13 shutouts this season.

Both teams are looking for their first state championships.

Sullivan is appearing in the title game for the fourth time in history. They made their first appearance in 2003, falling to Timberland.

In 2016, they made a surprise run from third seed in districts to the championship game, but lost to Warrenton.

After falling to Monett in quarterfinals in 2017, the Lady Eagles made it back to the Final Four in 2018, but lost to eventual state champ Mexico in the semifinal.

Sullivan took third that season and reached the championship game again in 2019, falling to Helias Catholic.