Softballer Essary ties school home run record
EmmaLee Essary shows off the ball she hit for the 27th home run of her career, tying the school record. Twenty-seven homers is currently tied for 20th-most all-time, according to the record book of the Missouri State High School Activities Association.
Republic first baseman EmmaLee Essary tied the school record for home runs with a first-inning blast against Liberty at the Springfield Invitational Tournament Saturday. Essary's home run was her third of the tournament, her 13th of the season, and the 27th of her career. That career total matches Kami Holt, who graduated in 2016.
Essary is one home run away from tying the single-season record for home runs at Republic, too. The record of 14 is held by Julia Higgins.
Essary reached another milestone in the Saturday game against Liberty when she drove in Jenna Belcher. It was Essary's 100th career RBI.
Republic won three of five games at the tournament, beating Columbia Battle, Springfield Glendale, and Park Hill South before losing in extra innings to Nixa, then losing to Liberty. Despite the two losses to end the tournament, coach Lee Dishman said he likes the way his team is playing.
"We're down to the final stretch. Where we started and where we are now is vastly different in a good way. We still have our moments, but we'll keep getting better, and come district time, I think they're going to be scary."
The regular season ends this week and the district tournament is next week in Springfield.
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