By RICHIE HALL
CARMEL – Carmel softball coach Stephanie Kleiner said that her team does not have “any game off this entire season” – all of the Greyhounds’ opponents are good.
That includes the season-opener, where Carmel hosted a very good Zionsville team. The Eagles are ranked No. 9 in the first Class 4A season poll and they played like a top 10 team, beating the ‘Hounds 16-2 in five innings at Cherry Tree Softball Complex.
Zionsville has quite a bit of experience. There are eight seniors on the Eagles’ roster and their junior pitcher Leah Helton is committed to Indiana University. Meanwhile, Carmel is playing with a lineup of two seniors, five juniors, four sophomores and five freshmen.
“Definitely a lot of things to learn from,” said Kleiner. “We just got to let our youth know that it’s fine to make mistakes and our veterans really got to show their age and show their experience and can’t put too much pressure on themselves.”
Both teams scored one run in the first inning; junior Jayden Kleiner, a Michigan commit, got home for the Greyhounds on a fielder’s choice. But Zionsville took over after that, with four runs in the second inning, including a two-run home run.
The Eagles added four runs in the fourth inning and another seven in the top of the fifth. Carmel did get a run back in the bottom of the fifth when Kleiner batted in freshman Lolah Pence with a single. Pence and sophomore Grace Sharp both hit singles in the second inning, giving the ‘Hounds a total of three hits for the game.
Junior Emily Smith pitched four innings for the ‘Hounds, striking out four. Sharp made a big center field catch in the fourth inning.
Carmel continues its opening week tonight with a 6 p.m. game at Westfield, then hosts defending 4A state champion Hamilton Southeastern Friday.
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