ELLSINORE, Mo. — Kelly’s bats were hotter than a summer day, scorching East Carter 12-7 in its season debut on Thursday, August 29.

The Lady Hawks (2-0) came out swinging and started the game with six consecutive hits, igniting a five-run explosion in the top of the first. Blaire Riley kicked off the rally with a leadoff double, followed by a single from her sister, Averee.

Mady Johnson’s RBI single brought Blaire home, and Miley Estes delivered a crushing line drive to center field, plating both Averee and Mady Johnson. Kelly’s hot bats continued to sizzle, as Gwen Essner added a hard-hit ground ball single

Estes later scored on a groundout, and Essner crossed the plate on a wild pitch, giving Kelly a commanding lead.

The Lady Hawks’ offensive onslaught continued in the top of the third inning, as they added six more runs to extend their lead to 11-0. Molly Johnson got things started with a single, scoring Mady Johnson. Estes followed with a run-scoring single, capitalizing on a throwing error.

Bella Allfred’s RBI single plated Essner, and Molly Johnson scored on a sacrifice fly by Cassie Gosche. Cecily Hall’s single brought Allfred home, and Mady Johnson’s RBI single scored Blaire Riley, completing the outburst.

Despite their early struggles, East Carter (0-1) showed resilience, narrowing the gap to 12-6 by the end of the sixth inning. Kelly added its final run in the top of the seventh inning when Kaylee Still scored on a wild pitch, solidifying their victory.

Estes earned the win on the mound, pitching four innings. She didn’t allow any earned runs on just four hits while striking out three and walking one batter. Alexis Wilson relieved Estes in the fifth inning, pitching three innings and allowing one earned run on six hits. She struck out five batters while walking three.

Kelly continued its winning ways, cruising to a 10-0 victory over Van Buren at the Notre Dame Showcase on Friday, August 30.

Hall led the Lady Hawks’ offensive charge, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs. Blaire Riley added two hits (HR and 2B) and an RBI, while Estes contributed two hits and an RBI. Molly Johnson also had a strong day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs, and Essner went 1-for-1 (2B) with three RBIs.

Estes earned another win on the mound, throwing five shutout innings. She allowed just four hits while striking out seven and walking two batters.

__KELLY 12, EAST CARTER 7__

Kelly 506 000 1 — 12 12 5

E. Carter 001 014 1 — 7 10 2

W—Miley Estes. L—Calleigh Miller. 2B—Kelly: Blaire Riley, Miley Estes.

__KELLY 10, VAN BUREN 0, F/5__

V. Buren 000 00x x — 0 4 2

Kelly 611 11x x — 10 12 2

W—Miley Estes. L—Elli Lewis. 2B—Kelly: Blaire Riley, Gwen Essner. HR—Kelly: Blaire Riley.