Willard claims third straight district championship

Lady Tiger soccer loses in district semifinals to Carl Junction
 
For the third time in a row, and eighth time in 10 years, the Class 5, No. 1 ranked Willard High School baseball team is district champion, after knocking off Class 5, No. 2 ranked Springfield Glendale, 6-0, on Sunday, May 22, in Branson in the championship game of the Class 5, District 6 Tournament.
Owen Bushnell and Cooper Hampton each had an RBI double, and Kyden McMan hit a sacrifice fly to give Willard an early 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. After Kade Biellier scored on a wild pitch, Bushnell hit his second double of the game driving in two runs and securing the victory for Willard in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Willard reached the championship game by defeating West Plains in the semifinals, 10-2 on Thursday, May 19. Willard opened the tournament with a 13-0 win over Springfield Parkview on Tuesday, May 17.
The Tigers are now 31-7 on the season and look to defend their Class 5 state title when they host Class 5, District 5 winner, Helias Catholic on Saturday, May 28.
Soccer
The Willard Lady Tigers soccer team battled hard but, in the end, fell to the Lady Bulldogs of Carl Junction, 3-0 in the semifinals of the Class 3, District 6 Tournament on Wednesday, May 18, in Carl Junction.
Willard reached the semifinals by defeating Neosho, 7-0, in the opening round of the tournament on Monday, May 16.
Madison Foley led Willard with three goals, Katelyn Magee scored two goals and Katheryn Dublin and Charlae Cowan each added a goal in the win. Cowan also led Willard with two assists and Kenadie Limb, Natalie Houston and Magee each chipped in an assist in the victory.
“I am extremely proud of each young lady,” said head coach Jamie Waddell. “They fought hard all season long finishing 15-7 on the season. These seniors will be missed next year. They have done a lot for this program.”