CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

INEZ — The Martin County Lady Cardinals softball team swatted the Phelps Lady Hornets 25-2 in the season opener Saturday in Inez.

Following the graduation of five seniors, including the pitcher and catcher, last year, the Lady Cards faced new challenges.

The Lady Cards put eight across the home plate in the first inning. Bella Muncy, Keilan Jewell and Hailee Preece each knocked a single. They continued the offensive onslaught in the second inning, tallying nine more runs behind hits by Kaylee Endicott, Addison Duncan and Haley Robinson and a double by Jewell to go up 17-0.

Martin County maintained the momentum in the third inning, adding eight runs to seal the victory. Bella Robinson, Raegan Horn, Allyssa Mullins, Preece, and Sophie Harless all contributed singles.

Phelps managed to score two runs in the third inning, but it was not enough to avoid the mercy run rule.

Allyssa Mullins, who started on the mound, earned the win for the Lady Cards. She allowed two runs on two hits while recording three strikeouts and two walks.

Lady Cards first-year head coach Boo Newsome praised the team’s performance.

“It was a great start to the season,” Newsome said. “The kids have been working hard and we just want to improve each game out.”