The future of the Class 2 District 8 softball tournament remains in limbo Friday morning as rain showers continue to fall in the region.
The tournament was suspended Thursday afternoon in the top of the seventh inning of Houston’s game against East Carter. It was the first of two scheduled semifinal games.
HHS Athletic Director Brent Kell said Friday morning the tournament could potentially resume Sunday afternoon. He has communicated with the three other school districts involved – East Carter, Neelyville and Willow Springs – and is awaiting their approval.
If weather allows, Kell said the Lady Tigers would resume their game with top-seeded East Carter at 2 p.m. The other semifinal between No. 2 Neelyville and third-seeded Willow Springs would be played following that game. The championship would follow.
The tournament must be completed before Wednesday’s sectional round. If not, the Missouri State High School Activities Association rule states the top seed from the district advances. That would mean East Carter, which is on the verge of being defeated by Houston, would move on.
Although the rule exists, MSHSAA told Kell it has never been used.
The five-day forecast from The Weather Channel isn’t promising. Heavy rain is forecasted Friday and there is a 40-percent chance of rain Saturday. Severe thunderstorms are expected to arrive Monday and more showers – 60 percent – are likely Tuesday.
“I don’t like playing on Sundays, but at this point it is what it is,” Kell said. “By starting at 3, it will allow those who want to attend church that opportunity before playing softball.”
Lady Tigers coach Brent Hall said he and his assistant, Ryan Munson, pumped water off the field Thursday night. They also covered the pitching mound and home plate with tarps.
“The next available day we can get the field ready, we are going to play,” Hall said. “But right now we aren’t sure when that will be.”
When districts do resume, the fourth-seeded Lady Tigers will have runners on first and third with one out in the top of the seventh. They lead top-seeded East Carter 5-2.