SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (November 1, 2025) – A future conference foe just claimed its first state championship in girls’ sports this fall. The Chillicothe Hornets, members of the Midland Empire Conference (MEC), captured the MSHSAA Class 3 State Championship on November 1 with a 1-0 win over Doniphan at Meador Park in Springfield.
The Hornets won the MEC this fall by going 6-0 in conference play. The Lady Tigers battled the Hornets at home on September 11, coming out on top with a 3-2 victory over the eventual state champions on a walk-off home run by senior catcher Josie Casler.
Chillicothe began its playoff run in Excelsior Springs, winning the Class 3 District 8 Tournament on the Lady Tigers’ home field. They defeated the Richmond Spartans 15-0, followed that up with a win over the Benton Cardinals, and claimed the district title with a 6-5, nine-inning victory over the Savannah Savages.
The Hornets then cruised through state play, defeating Odessa 10-1 in the quarterfinals and Macon 9-3 in the semifinals. A lone run in the fourth inning was all they needed to secure a 1-0 win over Doniphan and bring home the state title.
The Lady Tigers will face off against the Hornets next fall in their new conference alignment. Both programs will look to rebuild after graduating seven seniors apiece, each losing multiple starters from this year’s postseason rosters.
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