10/17/2009

After a week or so of postponements, field changes and general uncertainty, the Missouri State High School Activities Association softball playoff races are starting to come into focus.

That is, as long as the weather cooperates.

Quarterfinal winners are slated to compete in the state final four next weekend at the Heritage Park Softball Complex in St. Joseph.

Following is a quick rundown of games scheduled for today at the Ballwin Athletic Association:

10 a.m. — In a Class 4 quarterfinal, Oakville (21-5) will play Summit (21-6). In Friday sectionals, Oakville beat Hillsboro 12-1 while Summit posted a 7-3 victory over Nerinx Hall.

12 p.m. — Winfield (20-7) vs. Kirksville (24-2) in a Class 3 quarterfinal rematch. A year ago, Kirksville won in 12 innings and went on to finish fourth at state.

2 p.m. — A Class 2 quarterfinal between Kelly (20-9) and Belle (17-5). Kelly, last year's runner-up, is aiming for its fourth consecutive state trip.

4 p.m. — Cape Girardeau Notre Dame (27-2) will take on Kennedy (21-2) in a Class 3 quarterfinal. Last year's state runner-up, Notre Dame placed third at state in 2007.

6 p.m. — In a Class 4 sectional game, Parkway Central (20-7) takes on St. Joseph's Academy (16-8). The Saturday sectional winner will meet Fort Zumwalt South (21-6) in a Class 4 quarterfinal at 6 p.m. Monday at the Ballwin Athletic Association. In the Class 4 District 5 title game in Troy on Friday, St. Joseph's won 4-1 over Lafayette.

— Compiled by Joe Lyons