SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Diamond built a big lead early before pulling away late for a 16-8 win over Kennett in the Class 2 Missouri state softball semifinals on Tuesday.
Diamond (28-7) advances to the state finals where they take on Warsaw (23-2) today. Diamond beat Kennett last year in the state title game.
The Wildcats scored five times in the first inning before the Indians whittled the lead to 8-7 following a five-run fifth inning. Diamond responded with eight runs touching home in the sixth inning to pull away for the win.
Taelynn Reeder earned the win in the circle after allowing seven runs on seven hits, four walks and four strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings.
Reeder also had two hits, including a home run, three RBI and scored three times at the plate. Talyn Daniels added four hits, two RBI and three runs scored. Kenzie Crook had three hits, three RBI and two runs scored. Anna Roszell also homered in the win.