The Lady Bucks split the doubleheader against Jackson State on Friday. Before the first and second games, the Motlow Softball Team honored one of their own, Alyvia Smith, and local loved ones who have won their battles with cancer.
Motlow travels to Dyersburg, TN, this weekend to face Dyersburg State in a TCCAA 4-game series.
Strikeout Cancer Fundraiser
Throughout the month of March, the Motlow State Softball Team engaged in fundraising efforts to aid Alyvia’s battle with cancer, which included selling t-shirts and collecting donations. Prior to the second game, Alyvia received a check reflecting the proceeds from the t-shirt sales and contributions, amounting to a total of $2,014.
“Alyvia is such a vibrant individual with a very quiet but big spirit. She rarely missed anything we did throughout this year while battling this terrible cancer,” said head coach Janice Morey. “We were able to raise a little over $2,000 for her family through donations or a purchase of the strikeout cancer t-shirt. I greatly appreciate the community helping us raise awareness as well as support Alyvia through this fight. We are so excited for her to get her port out and, God willing, see her out on this field next year, getting to live her best life as a student-athlete.”
Alyvia reflected on the weekend by saying, “My teammates organizing a game in honor of my fight with cancer means a lot to me. They care about me so much, and they show me unconditional support and love. I wouldn’t have been able to get through my battle without them.”
Game 1. Motlow 7 Jackson State 1
Neither team managed to score in the first two innings, as both teams exhibited strong defensive performances. Motlow State took a strong lead in the bottom of the third, scoring four runs.
Motlow State kept Jackson State from scoring in the next two innings, but the Lady Bucks continued to extend the lead. Motlow State added three more runs to the scoreboard. In the top of the seventh, Jackson State added one run, but that was not enough to secure the win. The game ended with Motlow State upping Jackson State 7-1.
Several players contributed to the team’s win. Michalee Clay and Hannah Foster both scored two runs and had two RBIs. Kayley Daughrity batted in two runners. Mary Bradley, Parker Whales, and Carli Warner each contributed one run. Mary Bradley had 11 strikeouts over seven innings.
Game 2. Motlow 6 Jackson State 8
Both teams started out strong offensively, scoring four runs each in the first inning. Jackson State added one more run in the top of the second, but the Lady Bucks were unable to respond, giving Jackson State the lead 5-4 by the third inning.
Both teams were able to add another run to the scoreboard in the 5th inning, but the score remained the same during the 6th inning. Jackson State extended the lead by two more runs in the top of the 7th, and Motlow State responded by scoring one run. Despite the strong offensive efforts by the Lady Bucks, Jackson State secured the second game win 6-8.
Even with the loss, Motlow State showed some positive moments throughout the game. Abby Boyd registered two runs, while Mallory Williams, Michalee Clay, and Carli Warner each added one run each. Hannah Foster scored one run and batted one run in. Kennaddee Lawrence had 2 RBIs, and Chloe West had 1 RBI.
Photo: Alyvia Smith presented with her check surrounded by Head Coach Janice Morey and Alyvia’s family.
