Holcomb Lady Hornets extend record to 17-1, Lemings pounds grand-slam

HOLCOMB, Mo. - Despite inclement weather, the Holcomb Lady Hornets (17-1) played three games in the past two days and posted an 11-1 record so far this month.

The team won a double header Monday against visitors Senath-Hornersville with Southland (6-4-1) 13-3, and against the Malden Lady Green Wave (7-12) 9-4.

And Holcomb senior Maleigh Lemings', No. 44's home run against Malden was a dandy.

Maleigh Lemings waits for the pitch Monday at home. Step one of her grand slam that led to Holcomb's 9-4 win over Malden.Photo by Steve Hankins

“I don't know how many grand slams Maleigh has hit in her career,” said Lady Hornets softball head coach Matt Casper. “But that was just her fourth home run of the year.”

Indeed. That center-field shot was just a highlight of Lemings' Monday game.

No. 44 drove in five runs on one hit against the Lady Green Wave and that over-the-fence blast came at just the right time – bottom of the fourth inning with bases loaded and the score 2-1 Malden.

Lemings swings.Photo by Steve Hankins

“She'll hit some home runs here and there,” Casper noted. “She's very capable. But she's more of, you know, a line-drive girl.”

Casper has developed a team anxious to prove itself and hungry for wins.

The Lady Hornets' Chloe Hendrix went three-for-four against the lady Green Wave Monday and sophomore pitcher Ava Gurley went two-for-three.

There it goes.Photo by Steve Hankins

Malden pitcher Sarah Nealey walked seven, with Holcomb's Katelynn Sweaney and Addi Elliott taking first twice each on balls. Nealey was in six innings, allowed nine runs on seven hits and struck out two.

And the Lady Hornets stole seven bases during the outing.

Gurley picked up the W for Holcomb and Malden's Nealey took the loss. Gurley allowed seven hits and gave up four runs during six innings in the circle.

Lemings eyes her hit that becomes a grand-slam Monday at home.Photo by Steve Hankins

Holcomb's Jaden Bowen entered the game to relieve Gurley, pitched a shutout during her single inning of service and struck out two in the process.

Carsyn Cohen and Emma Elmore each posted two hits for the Lady Green Wave and Mariah Loya led Malden in RBIs with two. Loya was one-for-four on the day.

The Lady Hornets picked up another win this week against NMCC (10-6) 17-2.

There it is.Photo by Steve Hankins

Holcomb is on the road and faces Campbell (2-7) at 4 p.m. Thursday and Risco (5-4-1) at 4:30 p.m. Friday.