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During George Rogers Clark High School’s spring break, the Cards’ baseball team (6-6) traveled to Florida while the Lady Cards (10-1) stayed local – with both playing several games. 

After the school’s return, each got off to a solid start against fellow 10th Region opponents. 

The Cards rebounded from a 1-3 road trip against some top-notch competition with a dramatic 8-7 victory over Campbell County on Monday, April 7, while the Lady Cardinals – one day after a victory over 12th Region opponent Lincoln County – came through with a dominant 11-0 win against Paris. 

“You’ve got two great teams playing against each other, and…[what] looks to be a possible region [tournament] matchup,” said GRC’s Eddie Brooks following the Cards’ victory. “Neither team’s wanting to die, and that’s what you expect by two great ball teams.” 

“We came out [and] took care of business,” said GRC’s softball coach Matt Puckett. “I think they did a good job of going ahead and getting the task done.” 

The Cards took an early 5-0 lead over the Camels (8-3) when sophomore Tielor Howie first put the team on the scoreboard in the second inning after taking home on a double steal that also saw senior Chase Wheeler reach second base, and a two-run RBI single by senior Ben Fulks highlighted a four-run second inning. 

However, demonstrating why they’re year-by-year considered one of the top programs in the 10th Region – including champions in two of the last three seasons – the Camels cut into the lead. 

Down 7-5 in the top of the 7th, they tied the score with a pair of runs following an RBI single by junior Gavin Richardson and freshman pinch runner Cade Anthrop racing home on a wild pitch. 

However, as the home team, the Cards made the most of their opportunity in the bottom of the 7th. 

With runners on second and third base and only one out, sophomore Gunner Martin hit a two-strike ground ball to third base. 

Fulks raced home and a throw just wide and up the first base-line was far enough away to allow him to score the walk-off run, with senior Kamden McAlpin and others rushing the field to celebrate with Martin after the thrilling win. 

“Even though we had a couple hiccups at the end of the day, I know we’re the best team always on the field. I love our guys!,” said Howie. “It just feels great to be back and [I] love playing with the team. It’s a great time.” 

Twenty-four hours later, the Lady Cards entered a matchup against 10th Region and 40th District foe Paris. 

Looking for their 10th victory of the season – after already having improved upon last season’s win total – the Lady Cards burst out early with nine first inning runs. 

Benefitting from four Greyhound errors, the Lady Cards also saw a 2-run double by junior Lexi Burke, RBI single from senior Aniya McIntyre, groundball and flyball from senior Morgan Parks and sophomore Bella Guinn, and triple from eighth grader Zy’Nila Tichenor. 

Sophomore Jordyn Abner, who scored a run in the first inning, concluded the scoring with a two-run RBI double of her own in the third inning. 

“I was just kind of thinking in my mind to clear my head and try and hit it to the opposite field,” she said. “We just [have] to back up our pitchers and…keep the errors to a minimum.” 

The Lady Cards continue their season with a 6:00 p.m. matchup against Bracken County (5-4) in Brooksville on Thursday, April 10, while the Cards rematch with the Camels the same day at 6:30 p.m. in Alexandria.