Sports

“Stay on your backstroke until you touch the wall; finish your breaststroke kick by bringing your legs around; keep your head in the water during freestyle so you can rotate your body; and keep your legs together in the butterfly — it doesn’t have to be perfect, just consistent.”

Editor’s note: Throughout the summer, The Monett Times will feature the best unprinted photos from every local team photographed in the 2021-2022 season. — KT .

Coming into this season the defending Class 1 state champion, expectations for the Purdy softball team were high, even though the Lady Eagles were young. A 16-8 season, falling to Miller in the district semifinals, 12-11, was not exactly how Coach Lori Videmschek had things drawn up, but it was not a disappointment.

Editor’s note: Throughout the summer, The Monett Times will feature the best un-printed photos from every local team photographed in the 2021-2022 season. — KT .

Pierce City seniors Mollie Beeson and Riley Gripka have played with one another on two teams since age 11, and now the pair have been put on the same roster at least one more time — Class 2 All-State First Team.

Editor’s note: Throughout the summer, The Monett Times will feature the best un-printed photos from every local team photographed in the 2021-2022 season. — KT .