Guthrie Softball dominates in preseason scrimmage with Crescent

In a preseason scrimmage Monday morning in Crescent, the Guthrie Lady Jays softball team easily dispatched the Crescent Tigers, finishing with a dominant 17-3 score.

The Lady Jays took control early, getting on the board in the top of the first inning when Ava Hebensperger singled, scoring one run, followed by an error that brought in two more runs. They added another run in the second inning when Lola Brown singled on an 0-2 count, making it 4-0.

The third inning saw the Lady Jays explode with six runs on four hits. Haley Gallo and Ava Hebensperger each singled, scoring one run apiece. A subsequent error allowed another run, followed by a double from Holland McLemore that brought in two more. Senior Saige Driscoll grounded out but managed to score yet another run.

The Lady Jays continued their relentless offense in the fifth inning, scoring seven runs on four hits. Haven Hudson, Holland McLemore, and Lola Brown singled, each bringing in one run. Falon Zachary doubled, driving in two runs, while Trudy Morrison and Makaylah Blake drew walks to push in additional runs.

Senior Kinley Duehning opened the game for the Lady Jays, delivering a stellar performance by surrendering zero hits and zero runs over two innings, striking out two, and walking none.

Chloe Johnson, the starting pitcher for Crescent, faced a tough challenge, allowing 12 hits and 17 runs (seven earned) over three and one-third innings, striking out one and walking five.

McLemore, a freshman, and Dakota Cherry contributed as relief pitchers for the Lady Jays. McLemore had an exceptional day at the plate, leading the team with three RBIs from the number eight spot in the lineup and going 2-for-3. McLemore, Brown, and Hebensperger each collected two hits, while the team as a whole showed patience at the plate, amassing five walks.

Guthrie’s aggressive base-running saw them accumulate five stolen bases, further cementing their dominance in the game. On the Crescent side, Kamryn Taylor, Kynlee Moorman, and Trinity Webster each managed to collect one hit, with Taylor and Webster each driving in a run.

Looking ahead, Guthrie will participate in the Yukon Scrimmage Festival, with games against Yukon at 9 a.m. and Putnam City North at 10:30 on Wednesday. The Lady Jays begin their regular season with the Pryor Festival on August 12 and 13, hoping to build on their impressive performance and strong showing in last season’s state championship game.