Lundberg’s headfirst slide across home plate earns Highland spot in state softball title game

By Muddy River Sports | November 2, 2024
Highland's Ali Lundberg dives headfirst across home plate to score the go-ahead run with two outs in the top of the eighth inning in the Cougars' 2-1 victory over Linn in the Class 2 state semifinals at Killian Softball Complex in Springfield, Mo. | Photo courtesy Will Johnson

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A headfirst slide, a cloud of dust and a trip to the state championship game. With two outs in the top of the eighth in Friday’s Class 2 state softball semifinal at the Killian Softabll Complex, Highland’s Ali Lundberg scored on a passed ball to give the Cougars a 2-1 lead over…

Read More

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…

Read More

First-inning runs give Cougars momentum as victory over Bulldogs earns final four berth

By Muddy River Sports | October 27, 2024
The Highland softball team advanced to the state tournament for the first time since 2005, beating South Harrison 9-0 in Saturday's Class 2 state quarterfinal in Bethany, Mo. | Submitted photo

BETHANY, Mo. — The moment wasn’t too big for the Highland softball team. Their venture to the final four won’t be, either. The Cougars handled South Harrison 9-0 in Saturday’s Class 2 quarterfinal at Memorial Park. “They came out determined, focused and put out a great outing and a phenomenal performance,” Cougars coach Paul Scifres…

Read More