Lady Hornets sting Lady Bulldogs at home

HOLCOMB, Mo. - The Holcomb High School Lady Hornets Monday ignited the spring softball season in a large way.

In a brief, four-inning contest on a brisk Spring day, the Lady Hornets (1-0) dusted the South Pemiscot High School Lady Bulldogs (1-3) 18-3 at home.

Holcomb's Jules Gurley eyes the ball Monday at home against the South Pemiscot Lady Bulldogs. Photo by Steve Hankins Photo by Steve Hankins

The Lady Bulldogs were out front 3-0 after first at bats, the result of a Lady Hornets defensive error that ended in the three-run trek around the bases.

But that lead cratered at the end of the first inning when the Lady Hornets, a team that features several All-State players, stepped up to the plate and nearly put the game out of reach by scoring 11 runs.

Lady Hornets head coach Matt Casper, an 18-year veteran and in his fifth year coaching Holcomb softball, said he has great expectations for the team this season.

“We had a key walk there in the top of the first and an error on defense that led to a three-run homer that hurt us,” Casper said. “But we came out and scored 11 in the first.

Holcomb Lady Hornet's Jules Gurley connects Monday against the South Pemiscot Lady Bulldogs.Photo by Steve Hankins

“We hit the ball really well to start the game,” the coach added. “It continued. It didn't continue at that rate. But the girls hit the ball well for the first game of the year. We hope to continue to build off that.”

Hit the ball well, indeed.

Lady Hornet seniors and three-years-in-a-row All-State team vets Kaetlyn Danley and Maleigh Lemings blasted back-to-back, stand-up triples that resulted in a number of RBIs.

Holcomb's Maleigh Lemings crosses home plate Monday against the South Pemiscot Lady Bulldogs.Photo by Steve Hankins

Lemings batted .617 last season and recorded 58 hits on 94 at bats in 31 games, according to the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA), which ranked Lemings No.23 for batting averages. She was named 2023 Tri-County Conference Player of the Year after shattering two state records, most RBIs in a single season with 71, and most runs scored in a single season with 69.

Holcomb Lady Hornet Kaetlyn Danley at the plate Monday against the South Pemiscot Lady Bulldogs.Photo by Steve Hankins

Danley batted .484 in 2022 and the MSHSAA ranked her No.47 for 45 hits on 93 at bats.

“Those girls bat two-three,” Casper noted. “We expect great things from them.

Holcomb High School Lady Hornet Ella Lemings at Monday's game against the South Pemiscot Lady Bulldogs.Photo by Steve Hankins, staff

“They've delivered for four years,” he added. “We hope to continue to see that kind of performance the rest of the year.”

Lady Hornet sophomore hurler Ava Gurley was on the mound for Holcomb and alternated pitches, sometimes launching fire during the game.

“Ava pitched for us a lot last year as a freshman,” Casper said. “We hope to see her grow a little more into that role this year.

“She's gained some velocity,” he continued. “She's able to mix up her pitches a little more, and locate. We're looking for her to step up big time this year as a sophomore, both pitching and at the plate.”

Holcomb's Ava Gurley crosses home plate Monday against the South Pem Lady Bulldogs.Photo by Steve Hankins,staff

Gurley batted .518 last season as a freshman and was ranked No.44 in the state, recording 57 hits on 110 at bats.

The Lady Hornets travel to Deering today to face the Delta C-7 Lady Chargers at 4:30 p.m. The Lady Hornets are on the road Friday and take on the Gideon Lady Bulldogs at 4:30 p.m. at Gideon.

The South Pem Lady Bulldogs play two home games in coming days and welcome the Campbell Lady Camels at 5 p.m. Friday and the Delta Lady Chargers at 11 a.m. Saturday.