LONDON — South Laurel sophomore Emmie Rice kicked off the 2025 Fastpitch season with an explosive performance.
Rice launched two home runs—her 23rd and 24th career homers—tying the program record set by former Miss Softball Emily Gaines.
In addition to her power display, she drove in six runs, scored twice, and ended the game with a 2-for-3 batting effort.
The Lady Cardinals made quick work of Southwestern, winning easily in just two and a half innings, 18-1.
Not bad for a season opener?
“Always good to start the year with a win,” South Laurel coach Carly Mink said. “We were able to have a lot of timely hits and two big home runs from Emmie Rice. I can’t say enough about the work she puts in and her desire to get better. This program has had a lot of great hitters and to be able to tie the home run record as a sophomore says a lot about her skill set. Good win but we build off of it and continue working to improve.”
South Laurel (1-0) exploded for 12 runs in the first inning while adding six more in the second inning which was way more than enough for sophomore pitcher Kenzie Williams, who tossed three innings, allowing one run, and two hits while striking out three batters.
The Lady Cardinals pounded out 13 hits in the win. Williams went 2-for-2 with three RBI, Morgan Jackson was 1-for-2 with two runs scored, and three RBI, Addison Baker turned in a 2-for-3 effort with two runs scored, and one RBI, Skye Lawson finished 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI, Bailey Frazier was 1-for-1 with three runs scored, Audrey Likins had a hit and scored once, Ryleigh Bretz finished with hit, two RBI, and one run scored, and Sadie Lewis had a hit, an RBI, and scored twice.
