Blair Oaks recovers from semifinal loss to take third

SPRINGFIELD - While it didn't come in the Class 3 state championship game, Blair Oaks still finished its season with a victory.

The Lady Falcons topped the Festus Lady Tigers 11-6 in the third-place game Friday evening at the Killian Softball Complex.

"It's never as good as first, but it's a lot better than fourth," Blair Oaks coach Sharon Buschjost said.

The potent offensive attack that was sorely missed in a 7-1 semifinal loss to Centralia earlier in the day returned in full force.

"That was exciting to see," Buschjost said. "I felt good for the team. They wanted to respond in a positive way. I told them they've got two options, "You can either roll over or you can let people see what kind of team we are.' And I think they got to see that."