Comets dispatch Mineral Area, SLCC at Region 16 tourney

The Cottey Comets are sitting pretty after going 2-0 on the opening day of the NJCAA Division II Region 16 softball tournament, Friday in Farmington, Missouri.

Looking to defend their Region 16 crown, No. 2 seed Cottey nipped No. 3 Mineral Area, 3-1 in the opener. Cottey then advanced to the winners bracket of the double-elimination tournament, where they flattened top-seeded St. Louis Community College, 15-1.

Against Mineral Area, Jackie Nix’s two-run blast held up, as Emily Killion tossed six strong innings. Kirsten Wallace then earned her third save of the season, slamming the door on Mineral area in the seventh.

Wallace (14-2) then returned to the circle, shutting down St. Louis in a run-rule shortened contest, while also going 3-for-3 with four RBI.

Cottey (27-6) is now one win shy of repeating as NJCAA Region 16 champs.