Norwood’s state championship softball team put into HOF

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame welcomed its Class of 2025 for the annual Baseball and Softball Luncheon presented by the Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company.
CEO and Executive Director Rob Marsh presided over the ceremony on Wednesday, May 21 that featured a crowd of 500 inside the new Wilson Logistics Arena in Springfield.
One local group that was a part of this year’s class was Norwood’s state championship softball team from the 1991 season.
That year, the Norwood Lady Pirates won the Class 1-2 state title after beating Princeton, 7-4.
Both Lori Sinning and Christy Denman went 2-for-4 with an RBI in the championship game while Hannah Hancock had two RBIs. Meanwhile, pitcher Tracy Curtis tossed a complete game six hitter with four strikeouts.
Kathy Kelly was also noted for making two big catches in the win.
The day before the Lady Pirates defeated Marion County, 15-3.
Norwood went 18-1 that season for head softball coach Don Forrest and assistant coach Lynn Long.
The roster included Tracy Curtis, Christy Denman, Allyson Dwyer, Laura Pendergrass, Hannah Hancock, Lori Sinning, Heather Cutbirth, Kathy Kelley, Carolyn Moore and Connie Ussery.
The scorekeeper was Glen Ussery.