Lady Eagles Take Senior Night Softball Win Over Higginsville

 

Video submitted by Wayne Griffin.

The Lady Eagles softball team distanced themselves to a 17-7 win over Higginsville in a run rule shortened game on Holden’s Senior Night last Thursday.

Senior Lady Eagle players Kierstin Redhair and Luxy Pearce, and team manager Andrew Hyatt were introduced on the field with their parents in a Senior Night ceremony after the game.

“We came out hitting the ball from the first inning, and never stopped,” said Holden softball head coach Jeff Smith. “I don’t think there was an inning we didn’t score, and we had to keep putting them on them because they have some pretty good bats that we just couldn’t find answers for.”

Lady Husker Torye Sears put Higginsville on the scoreboard in the top of the first inning with a two-run home run.

Holden took the lead in the bottom of the inning by plating three runs on a two-RBI hit by Liz Stout, and an RBI single by Faith Brown.
Holden sent nine batters to the plate, and added four runs in the bottom of the second inning to take a 7-2 lead.

A single by Pearce scored Brown for Holden’s fourth run of the second inning. Redhair kept the inning alive with a two-out single following Pearce’s hit before Jocelyn McHenry grounded out to end the frame.

Higginsville kept the pressure on by plating two runs in the third inning, and two runs in the fourth.

Stout collected RBIs number five and six for her on the day with a two-RBI home run during the fifth inning. Stout’s dinger scored Camille Davidson to put Holden ahead 17-6.

After Lady Husker relief pitcher Miah Bennett left the game with an injury in the sixth inning, and was replaced with Gracie Petersen, Holden closed out the game with three runs to set the final score at 17-7.

Brown put Davidson across the plate on a single for the final run of the game.

“Offensively, it was a great, great game,” said coach Smith. “If we can hit like that from here on out, that will be a good sign.

“Those are honestly two of the better pitchers in our conference,” highlighted coach Smith of starting pitcher Torye Sears and relief pitcher Miah Bennett. “We have nothing to be upset about offensively.

“Defensively, those few miscues…for whatever reason, we had trouble with slow rollers tonight. Luckily, it didn’t cost us, and we kept putting it on them.”

In regard to seniors Redhair and Pearce, coach Smith noted, “Both of them got hits tonight which was good for Senior Night.

“I think Kierstin made every play hit to her, and they had good games for Senior Night. I’m proud of them, and we’re going to miss them.

“Luckily, it’s not our last game, and we get to spend about six more games, plus districts with them. I’m looking forward to their future, and seeing where they go. I know Kierstin wants to hopefully continue playing a little ball next year (in college). We’re working on it, and we’ll see where it takes her.”

Pearce finished the game with 1 hit, 1 walk, and 1 RBI. Redhair had 1 hit, and walked 2 times.

Stout marked the game by recording 4 hits, and 6 RBIs. Her hits included 3 doubles, and 1 home run.

Brown had 3 hits, and 3 RBIs. Kimmie Spring had 1 hit, 2 RBIs, and 4 stolen bases. Abby Wamsley collected 3 hits, and 2 stolen bases. Marah Klover contributed 2 hits. Camille Davidson had 1 hit, and 2 stolen bases.

Lady Eagle starting pitcher Maddie Sechrest recorded 7 strikeouts in the win while allowing 7 runs (6 earned) on 13 hits, and 2 walks in six innings.

Holden’s win over Higginsville put the Lady Eagles’ overall record at 7-4, and kept Holden’s MRVC-East record unblemished at 4-0 at the end of last week.

On Thursday this week, Holden hosts Carrollton for a conference contest. The varsity game begins at 5 p.m. The junior varsity game follows the varsity game with a scheduled start time of 6:30.

This Saturday, the Lady Eagles close out the week with a home doubleheader against Lexington. The first game of the doubleheader starts at 10 a.m.