Senior Olivia Butler was in control during his straight-set singles victory as the Lady Owls downed Hickman. (Chris Allen/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

The Marshall girls' tennis team won five of six singles matches Thursday en route to a 7-2 non-conference home victory over Class 2 Columbia-Hickman.

Junior Dina Kaissi, a state qualifier last year, gave the Lady Owls their only losses with a 6-0, 6-0 shutout of junior Virginia Hutcherson at No. 1 singles and 8-1 decision over Hutcherson and freshman Haley Evans at No. 1 doubles.

By the same token, the Kewpies (2-8) were beaten badly in the bottom two singles spots by senior Olivia Butler and freshman Amy Van, both 6-1, 6-1 scores.

In between, though, the outcome could have gone either way.

"There was a 10-minute period when we could have gone into doubles 2-4, 3-3, 4-2 or 5-1," remarked MHS head coach Susan Carney. "The last happened, and that was a hump we needed to get over when we are really challenged."

Junior Kara Ward pulled out a 3-6, 6-4 (10-4) tiebreaker at No. 2, Evans won in straight sets at No. 3, 6-2, 7-5, and senior Kim Van had to rebound after being behind 5-0 in the extra frame for a 6-4, 4-6 (10-6) decision.

Kim Van and Butler took an 8-5 decision at No. 2 doubles and Ward and Amy Van posted an 8-4 victory at No. 3.

It was the fourth win in a row for the Lady Owls (11-2), who head to Kirksville on Saturday for the NCMC Tournament -- which they will attempt to win for the fifth year in a row.

"Our confidence level is getting stronger and I'm looking forward to the tournament," Carney said. "Our girls are excited and ready to play."

Boys' Soccer
Moberly 2, Marshall 1

MOBERLY -- It was like an old-fashioned Marshall-Moberly boys' soccer slugfest Thursday, this time the sixth-ranked Spartans giving the host Owls their first NCMC loss, 2-1, on freshman Alexander Roberts' "golden goal" four minutes into the second overtime period.

Senior Chris McCoy got Marshall on the board first 13 minutes into the match off a crossing pass from junior Marvin Alvarez. However, although the Owls out-shot Moberly, 12-7, they couldn't find the mark again.

"We had numerous chances to extend or take the lead throughout the second half, but could never connect," noted Marshall head coach Josh Posegate. "We have to against a team as good as Moberly."

The Spartans tied the score with five minutes remaining in regulation time, when a free kick by junior Grayden Pretz went under the defensive wall as it hopped and caromed off of senior Melvin Moreno into the Birds' net.

Junior Shane Harris came up with 11 saves for Moberly (12-1, 6-0 NCMC).

The Owls (10-3, 5-1) will be at home Tuesday against league foe Mexico.

Softball
Moberly 10-11, Marshall 0-1

MOBERLY -- Sophomore Suzanne Luntsford and freshman Audrey Davidson each fired three-hitters as Moberly won a pair of five-inning NCMC contests over the visiting Marshall softball team Thursday, 10-0 and 11-1.

The Lady Spartans scored five runs in the first inning of the opener, the key blow being a three-run homer by senior Brittany Price. Six of Moberly's other seven runs were unearned, due to four errors by the Lady Owls.

Davidson's two-run single in the second inning helped her own cause in the nightcap. The Lady Spartans (7-9, 5-6 NCMC) got doubles from Price, senior Kassi Kreek and sophomore Allie Jorgensen to score six runs in the third.

Marshall's lone run came in the third inning. Sophomore Courtney Anderson singled with one out, advanced to third base on a grounder and an error, and scored on sophomore Emily Aldredge's base hit.

The Lady Owls (3-16, 2-9) allowed seven unearned runs on three errors in the getaway game.

Marshall will close the regular season Monday at Oak Grove.

Volleyball
Marshall 2, Kirksville 0

The first-year Kirksville volleyball program was no match for host Marshall, the Lady Owls rolling to a 25-10, 25-8 home win.

Marshall dropped 13 aces on the Lady Tigers (0-8), five by senior Cassie Hayes, who also led the team with six digs. Senior Stephanie Heinzler had three aces to go along with her 14 assists and senior Maddy Keller led the attackers with six kills.

The Lady Owls (9-8-3) play Tuesday at NCMC rival Fulton.