CLINTON, Miss. - The Kirkwood softball team is still hoping to win the NJCAA Division II national title, but the Eagles will have to come through the loser's bracket to get it done.

Kirkwood lost to Johnson County Community College, 1-0, in the second round of the tournament Thursday afternoon, then bounced back with a 5-3 victory over Macomb in the loser's bracket Thursday night.

Kirkwood (47-9) will face Labette Friday at noon in the double-elimination tournament. Eight teams are still competing for the title, with four in the winner's bracket and four in the loser's bracket.

In the first game Thursday, Johnson County's Sydney Koch tossed a four-hit shutout at the Eagles, a team averaging just under 10 runs a game. Nicki Simpson and Allie Mengler matched Koch's effort until the top of the seventh.

Heidi Prockish doubled to lead off the inning and eventually scored on a Carly Campbell sacrifice fly for the game's only run.

The Eagles offense bounced back against Macomb. Tara Walls went 4-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs. Lexie Biehl also drove home a pair.

Brooke Prior a complete game to get the win.

Beth Stroup had a home run for Macomb, which finishes at 39-10.

If Kirkwood defeats Labette  on Friday, the Eagles will play right away at 2 p.m. against an opponent to be determined. And if they win at 2 p.m., they'll play again at 6 p.m. before resting for the day.

Kankakee, DMACC, Johnson County and Lincoln Land are alive in the winner's bracket. Labette, Kirkwood, East Central and Phoenix are still battling in the loser's bracket.

The tournament ends Saturday.