CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

GLENHAYES, W.Va. — Martin County softball notched its second win of the season over the Tolsia Lady Rebels 15-0 in winter weather conditions March 18 on the road.

Snow blanketed the field for the first three innings. Freezing temperatures added to the conditions, but players remained focused.

The Lady Cardinals wasted no time rounding the bases for five runs in the second inning to take a 5-0 lead. Hallee Preece started the offensive rally with a leadoff single, followed by Sophie Harless’s triple to drive her home. Alyssa Mullins and Bella Muncy contributed with walks and base hits, while senior Addison Duncan’s double extended the lead.

The Lady Rebels did not score through the first three innings. Meanwhile Haley Robinson’s double and Harless’s single extended the Martin County lead to 6-0 in the third inning.

The Lady Cardinals notched nine runs in the top of the fourth for a 15-0 lead, bringing an end to the game under the mercy rule. Kaylee Endicott singled, Keilan Jewell knocked a triple, Addison Duncan, Hallee Preece and Alyssa Mullins walked, and Bella Muncy belted a triple.

First-year pitcher Alyssa Mullins delivered a good performance on the mound, earning her second win of the season with her first career shutout. She allowed no runs on two hits, one walk and three strikeouts.

On the opposing side, Ava Lyons pitched for the Tolsia Rebels, giving up 15 runs on 13 hits.

Martin County first-year coach Boo Newsome hopes to turn around a challenging 8-14 record in 2023 amid significant roster changes. Graduating five key starters, including their starting pitcher and catcher, has presented a challenge.

“With the loss of key players, we recognize the need for rebuilding,” Coach Newsome remarked. “Our goal is to eventually establish a winning tradition for the program.

With the program yet to experience a winning season since the new Martin County High School opened its doors, Newsome acknowledged the magnitude of the task.

“It’s a process,” she said. “Rebuilding the program from the ground up will require time, patience, support and dedication from everyone involved.”

The coach emphasized the need for young players to develop an interest in pitching in the feeder program and develop the skills and training from an early age.

“Pitching and catching in fast-pitch softball are important. Pitching is the backbone of a team,” said Newsome. “We’re encouraging young players to take up pitching and invest in their development through pitching lessons and dedicated training.”

Lady Cards fall to East Carter

GRAYSON — Martin County faced a challenge against the East Carter Raiders on the road March 20. Taking on the program once led by former “Miss Softball” Montana Fouts, the Lady Cardinals battled but lost 15-0.

“We knew they had a solid program,” Coach Newsome remarked. “Competing against teams like East Carter provides valuable insights into our team’s strengths and areas needing improvement.”

The Raiders scored three runs in the first inning. The Lady Cardinals struggled at the plate, having trouble adjusting to the speed of the pitch, resulting in 12 strikeouts throughout the game.

In the second inning, the Raiders added eight runs to extend their lead to 11-0. They scored twice in the third and fourth innings to put the score at 15-0 and end the game after four innings.

Kaylee Endicott recorded the lone hit for the Lady Cardinals.

On the mound, Alyssa Mullins battled against an experienced East Carter lineup, giving up 15 runs on 10 hits.

Despite the loss, Coach Newsome remained optimistic.

“We either win or learn, and hopefully we learned from this loss,” she said.

Lady Cards drop to Grace Christian

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Martin County faced a tough matchup against Grace Christian on the road Saturday, losing a hard-fought contest 8-5.

The Lady Cardinals got off to a strong start, striking first with two runs in the opening inning. Kaylee Endicott, Keilan Jewell and Addison Duncan drew walks, setting the stage for Haley Robinson’s single to drive home Endicott, followed by Raegan Horn’s grounder to bring in Jewell.

Grace Christian responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the first, narrowing the deficit to 2-1.

The Lady Cards then found themselves deadlocked at 2-2 heading into the third inning after Grace Christian added another run in the second.

Martin County reclaimed the lead in the top of the third. Robinson drew a walk and Horn delivered a single, driving in a run to put the Lady Cards up 3-2. However, Grace Christian retook the lead 4-3 with two runs in the bottom of the third.

Grace Christian scored in the fourth and fifth innings, building a 6-3 advantage.

The Lady Cardinals rallied in the sixth inning, scoring two runs to narrow the gap to 6-5. Alyssa Mullins singled, Bella Muncy singled and drove one in, Kaylee Endicott drew a walk, and Keilan Jewell singled to bring Muncy home.

Grace Christian added two runs in the bottom of the sixth to widen the gap to 8-5. The Lady Cardinals were unable to mount a comeback, going three up and three down.

Mullins took the loss for the Lady Cards on the mound, pitching her first career seven-inning game, giving up eight runs on seven hits and seven walks while recording three strikeouts.