Senath-Hornersville softball downs Delta C-7 after three innings

SENATH – The Senath-Hornersville softball team, partnering with Southland, rolled past Delta C-7 Monday night with a 19-4 win that ended with the run rule at the bottom of the third inning.

There was a distinct lack of fanfare after the Lions’ monstrous display of offensive prowess, but that may be due to the fact that it comes just days after an incredibly similar 20-6 rout of New Madrid County Central on Saturday.

“I think what’s really our strong point is for sure our batting,” Senath-Hornersville coach Allyson Conley said. “We’ve got some really strong hitters. Saturday, Kylie Walker and Annabelle Carlisle both hit it over. Kylie hit another one over tonight. I’ve even had girls who have come in their freshman year and they’re getting awesome hits now.”

The Lions wasted no time in setting the tone for the night. Junior pitcher Jada Burlison and the Lion infield secured three outs quickly to start the game. And from there, the offense went to work.

Burlison pitched all three innings, and she allowed just three hits and three walks on 47 pitches with five strikeouts.

Senath-Hornersville pitcher Jada Burlison throws a pitch in Monday's game against Delta C-7, March 20, 2023. Christian Johnson, Delta Dunklin Democrat

Kaya Horton hit a double immediately, Jada Burlison followed it up with another and Horton ran in for Senath-Hornersville’s first run of the night.

From there, the Lions poured it on.

Kylie Walker hit a double at the next at bat, and Burlison made it home. Walker stole third and a single by Katie McClelland brought her home.

Walker, Katie McClelland, Ebbi Fuwell and Abbie Hill have joined the team from Southland High School, and each of them have made an immediate impact on the team, according to Conley.

“What’s really been a strong point is us joining with Southland,” Conley said. “Now we can really come out here and have a full infield and have a full team batting. We scrimmage two or three times a week. Whether it’s real game situations or just being at practice, every one of them makes an impact.”

Annabelle Carlisle stepped up to bat next and made it to third, bringing McClelland in. After a strikeout, Halle Jamerson batted a single, bringing Abby Hill, who subbed for Carlisle, in for another run.

Jamerson made it in while Emma Sample confused the Chargers’ defense after being walked, but never stopping and making it to second base.

An acronym with which you should become familiar, should you ever attend a Senath-Hornersville softball game, is “AGB.”

It’s repeated many times throughout the game, much to the confusion of those sitting near the dugout.

It means “Aggressive Base Running,” and it originated from a misspoken command during practice. Despite its humorous incantations by players, it’s not only an expectation for the team – it’s quickly becoming a dangerous standard for opposing teams to expect.

“This year we’re really going to run the bases,” Conley said. “That’s how you win games, so it’s become somewhat of a joke but that’s what we do.”

With the Lions never ceasing, by the end of the bottom of the first inning, Senath-Hornersville took a resounding 10-0 lead.

The top of the second went much the same: Senath-Hornersville’s Chloe Edmonston caught a fly ball by Jaylee Medley in the outfield, second baseman Emma Sample threw for an out at first, and Burlison struck out Delta’s Hannah Kilbreth.

Senath-Hornersville's Chloe Edmonston celebrates after stealing third base during Monday's game against Delta C-7, March 20, 2023. Christian Johnson, Delta Dunklin Democrat

The Lions added six more runs to their total in the second inning.

Burlison eventually ended the top of the third with three strikeouts, but not before Delta C-7 scored four of their own runs.

Delta C-7’s Mackenzie Rogers was walked, who eventually stole second. Riley Woods was walked after a strikeout.

Pacey Medley doubled on a fly ball to center field which brought in Rogers, and Jaylee Medley doubled a line drive which brought Woods and Pacey Medley home.

Leading 16-4 entering what would be the final inning of the game, the Lions’ Abby Hill was walked to kick off the bottom of the third. After a ground ball single by Burlison, she stole third and home. With a runner on second and third, Walker scored the final run after stealing home.

Kylie Walker finished with four runs, while Kaya Horton, Abby Hill and Jada Burlison added three apiece. Katie McClelland and Emma Sample contributed two each, and both Halle Jamerson and Chloe Edmonston both added one.

Next up, Senath-Hornersville travels to Risco Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. Delta C-7 travels to Holcomb Thursday at 4:30 p.m.

“I hope it’s a standard,” Conley said of the team’s offensive showing. “I hope we continue on a high and I’m looking forward to seeing how we play against Risco tomorrow. I hope that they continue this and keep it up.”