Lady Mustangs outscore opponents, 21 to 3

By Rick Colegrove

The ability to strike quick in sports is a mentally demoralizing tool that teams can use.

The Hughes Springs Lady Mustangs use a quick strike offense in this way. They have used their quick strike offense to score an eye-popping 65 runs in the first 2 innings over the last 10 games. No wonder they are 10-0 in that stretch.

With that being said, the ladies followed suit this last week, scoring 13 runs in the first two innings against Queen City and Linden-Kildare, winning both games, 10-3, against Queen City and 11-0 versus Linden.

On Tuesday, Hughes Springs welcomed rival Queen City to town, and the Lady Mustangs brought the “lumber,” smashing three home runs on the night.

Kensley Echols smashed a three run homer to left, while Abbye McKinney and Peyton Blythe each hit solo home runs. It was another win by Hughes Springs that saw multiple contributors. Emily Meade got in the act with a two run single, but left the game with a hand injury sustained during the at bat.

Shelbie Fickling scored two runs in the game, along with Bailey Tenbrook, and Echols.

In the Friday match-up, Hughes Springs traveled to Linden to take on the Lady Tigers.

It was another example of the quick strike ability of the talented and detail driven team.

The Lady Mustangs scored seven runs in the first two innings to win going away, 11-0.

With Peyton Blythe leading the way, and Bailey Tenbrook doing her best “beast mode” impression, the ladies coasted and allowed others to shine in the win. Blythe went two for four with a triple and two runs scored, while Tenbrook had a home run, to bring her season total to five.

Leading big early, Coach Thompson saw a chance to get some work in for other lady Mustangs, namely Pearl Perry and Calli Stewart.

Perry went one for two with a double, while Stewart went two for two, with two runs scored.

Getting in the action on the mound were the stalwarts Zoe Lanier and Abbye McKinney, with both ladies going two innings, holding the Lady Tiger offense off the scoreboard. Another newcomer made some noise on the mound also, as Heven Brock went one inning, facing four batters and struck out one.

It was much needed work and rest for everyone who needed it. It allowed the veterans to rest after the early onslaught, and gave the youngsters a chance to shine. Both things were accomplished and make Hughes Springs softball a threat for years to come.

Weather permitting, the Lady Mustangs will take on Pewitt Tuesday, which will be Senior night, honoring the seniors on the squad, and Friday is an away game against Chapel Hill. Tuesday’s game starts at 5:30 with festivities to precede the game.