Kennett softball downs Senath-Hornersville, South Pemiscot

SENATH – The Kennett softball team (9-4) picked up two more wins on Tuesday afternoon, the first being a 9-1 district game victory over Senath-Hornersville and the second a 16-0 rout of South Pemiscot.

“I thought we came out and executed,” Kennett coach Logan Dollins said of the Indians' win over the Lions. “I thought we were trying to do too much early, trying to get too big with our swings. But once we got settled and started taking good swings, the ball started jumping a little bit.

“McAtee threw it extremely well in the circle,” he continued. “Overall, I'm just really pleased with the win.”

Handley McAtee pitched all seven innings against Senath-Hornersville. With speed and consistency, she threw 108 pitches and 75 strikes. McAtee allowed just three hits, one run and two walked batters.

Offensively, she also had one hit and one of Kennett's nine runs.

Kennett�s Handley McAtee throws a pitch during a game against Senath-Hornersville Tuesday, April 4, 2023. Christian Johnson, Delta Dunklin Democrat

“When it came to her and it being a district game, so we wanted to make sure we could shut the door,” Dollins said of McAtee's performance. “Matchup-wise, it was the best move to have her in the circle the entire time.”

To fuel an increasing boost of momentum as Kennett's offense picked up steam, Emma Tinnin and Emma Claire Bodkin both hit home runs to go along with Kennett's 11 hits on the day. Both Hadley Wilson and Heather Jones racked up three hits while McAtee, Tinnin and Bodkin each added one.

“Emma Tinnin and Emma Claire Bodkin both hit home runs, and those were just great swings from both of them,” Dollins said. “Not trying to do too much, just trying to square something up, and they both got to the ball. Luckily, the ball went out of the ballpark.”

Senath-Hornersville's Jada Burlison, Kylie Walker and Annabelle Carlisle all managed hits while Kaya Horton scored the Lions' sole run after being walked.

Senath-Hornersville�s Kaya Horton takes a swing during the Lions� game against Kennett Tuesday. Horton scored Senath-Hornersville�s only run of the game.Christian Johnson, Delta Dunklin Democrat

The game started slow offensively but fast in pace. Kennett scored for the first time in the third inning McAtee hit a double, Wilson singled for an RBI and and Tinnin homered, which all culminated in three runs with two outs.

“Early on, I think our at bats weren’t as focused as I'd like for them to be,” Dollins said. “But once we got through the lineup one time, the focus level came up. We need to focus a little earlier, but from our standpoint we're just happy to come out with a win.”

Katie McClelland took the loss for the Lions in the circle. She pitched for six innings and threw 82 pitches for four strikeouts, ten hits and four runs. She was relieved by Walker for an inning, who threw 28 pitches and surrendered one hit, four walked batters and five runs.

“It's a great win,” Dollins said. “It's a big win for us. When you talk about the number one seed in the district, it's something you strive for every year. There are a few more games here and there for us now, so it's a good quality win for us, and a great win for her in the circle.”

Kennett's time in the Senath dugout wasn't over, and they immediately went to work against South Pemiscot. Warmed up and ready to go, the Indians wasted no time in setting the tone for the brief, three-inning 16-0 shutout.

Emma Claire Bodkin took the circle for their second game and threw a complete game. She allowed one hit on 42 pitches, and threw 27 strikes for five strikeouts.

The Indians' offense exploded for 11 runs in the first inning and five in the second.

In the two scoring innings, Wilson racked up three hits, three runs and three RBIs. McAtee connected on two hits and scored three runs, Hayley Bagwell made two hits and crossed home plate twice, and Meagan Spielman had two hits and one run.

Tinnin scored twice on a hit and a walk, Bailey Wilcut had two runs, Kaydee Taylor had a run and an RBI and Lauren Barton amassed two hits, two RBIs and a run by the end of the day.

Next, Kennett is scheduled to host Risco and Van Buren Thursday, with their first game against the Tigers beginning at 3 p.m.

Senath-Hornersville travels to Cooter Thursday at 4:30 p.m.