BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — A grand slam from Haley Robinson sent Martin County High School’s softball team to the second round of the All ‘A’ with a 12-8 win at Betsy Layne. The Lady Cards went 2-2 after traveling to The Ripken Experience at Pigeon Forge and playing two games in the All ‘A’ Classic.
“Tennessee is a great spring training trip for competition and to spend time together. It provides the girls a chance to get closer as a team,” Coach Boo Newsome said of the spring break vacation.
“We rented a cabin and ate all our meals family style while playing games. It was great being able to enjoy each other’s company. We want to win, but we also want to make it an enjoyable experience where they create memories that last a lifetime,” Coach Newsome expressed.
The Lady Cards went to Dollywood and shopped at the outlets and the Island. The team took part in a ropes course and went atop the Ferris wheel.
“I’ve got a great group of girls. We still have a month to play and it’s already become such a memorable season for us,” said Newsome.
The following is a recap of last week’s action:
MC at Betsy Layne – Haley Robinson delivered a grand slam in the top of the final inning to defeat the Bobcats in the first round of the All ‘A’ on April 9.
The Lady Cards were knotted up with Betsy Layne 8-8 in the top of the seventh inning. Robinson stepped into the batter’s box with three ducks on the pond.
The slugger was staring at two outs. She took a deep breath and knocked the hide off the ball. Her coaches and teammates knew the bomb was going, going, and gone as it crossed the fence for the 12-8 win.
Robinson led Martin County at the plate, going 4-for-5 with a double, two singles and the grand slam to drive in three RBIs. She crossed home plate three times.
Bella Muncy delivered two Cardinal bombs over the outfield fence and drove in a runner. She scored three runs at the plate.
Sophie Harless had a strong outing, going 3-for-5, driving in two of her teammates, and scoring a run.
Keilan Jewell and Zoie Hinkle rang up two singles each. Hinkle scurried across the plate twice.
Hallee Preece knocked a single and scored two runs for the Lady Cards.
KarLee Gillman crossed home plate for a score. Isabella Robinson went 1-for-1 in the box.
Alyssa Mullins earned the win on the mound. She struck out five. At bat, she hit a single.
MC vs Portland Christian – The Lady Cards narrowly defeated Portland Christian at Pigeon Forge 5-4, with Zoie Hinkle picking up the win on the mound.
Hinkle, Keilan Jewell, Sophie Harless, and Bella Muncy all went 2-for-4 at the plate.
Hinkle belted a triple en route to scoring two runs. Harless drove in a teammate, stole a base and scored a run.
Muncy clubbed a three-bagger and stole a base on her way to scoring a run.
Haley Robinson crossed home once and had a single.
Mia Field and Hallee Preece rocked a single each.
KarLee Gillman stepped across home plate twice as a pinch runner. Raegan Horn had an RBI.
Hinkle pitched four innings and struck out four on 57 tosses.
Alyssa Mullins threw three innings and struck out one on 34 pitches.
MC at Shelby Valley – The Cards traveled to East Ridge to take on Valley in the second round of the All ‘A’ on April 10. Martin County fell short 11-5.
Mia Fields went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a run.
Isabelle Robinson hit 1-for-3 and crossed home plate once.
Zoie Hinkle and Sophie Harless had a hit and drove in one each.
Keilan Jewell, Bella Muncy, and Raegan Horn each had a hit with Muncy scoring a run.
Pinch runners Marlee Grayson and KarLee Gillman crossed home for the Cards.
Hinkle hurled in 90 pitches sticking out four in six innings.
MC vs Wahama (Mason), W.Va– Martin County took on Wahama at the Ripken Experience. The Ladies fell 12-2.
Haley Robinson and Zoie Hinkle went 2-for-3 at bat. Isabella Robinson rang in a single and a run.
Bella Muncy launched a homer and stole a base.
Hinkle threw five innings striking out three.
The Lady Cards will play four in a row at home Tuesday through Friday this week at 6 p.m.
