Recipe for success: Cougars’ explosive offense, Lay’s pitching and hearty breakfast casserole add up to state final four berth

By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer | October 31, 2024
Highland pitcher Abby Lay has not allowed a run in mor than 26 innings and has given up just two hits in the postseason heading into Friday's Class 2 state semifinal against Linn at the Killian Softball Complex in Springfield, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

LEWISTOWN, Mo. — If he were in the other dugout, Paul Scifres would not welcome the thought of facing the Highland softball team right now. He would welcome some of his wife Kendra’s breakfast casserole before a state championship game, though. In his 18th season as the Highland coach, Paul Scifres has guided the Cougars…

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‘We’ve got a good thing going’: Highland softball team rolls into district title game with momentum

By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer | October 18, 2024
The Highland softball team greets Haleigh Winter at home plate after her fourth-inning home run Thursday in the Class 2 District 5 semifinal victory over Clark County. | Shane Hulsey photo

LEWISTOWN, Mo. — Time will tell how long the Highland softball team’s postseason run lasts, but coach Paul Scifres believes the Cougars have something special brewing.  Junior Abby Lay twirled a five-inning no-hitter and senior Haleigh Winter matched the school single-season home run record as the top-seeded Cougars rolled over fifth-seeded Clark County 13-0 Thursday…

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Schuck on a Truck: Captains of Highland softball team discuss No. 1 ranking, postseason chances

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | October 13, 2023

EWING, Mo. — The Highland softball team heads into the postseason as the No. 1-ranked team in Class 2, riding an 18-game win streak and backed by a record-setting offensive attack. The Cougars’ captains — Emma Harshberger, Olivia Ritterbusch and Haleigh Winter — joined Highland coach Paul Scifres on the tailgate of Muddy River Sports…

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