The Callaway softball team went on the road to Starr’s Mill for their season opener and put up a fight against 4A Starr’s Mill in a 10-4 loss.

Callaway took almost no time to get on the board to start its season, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning. Savannah Rice and Karlie Walker hit back-to-back one-run doubles to break the deadlock and take a 2-0 advantage. 

The Panthers had an instant response, tying the game up with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first.

The Cavaliers were unfazed and retook their two-run lead with two runs in the top of the second. Mackenzie Toney, who also got the start in the circle, hit a solo homer to start the second inning. Madison Kemp hit a one-run single later in the inning to make it 4-2.

Starr’s Mill quickly got one run back in the bottom of the second to have the deficit. The Panthers eventually took their first lead of the game with two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. 

Starr’s Mill would then go on to break the game open with five runs in the fifth inning to take a commanding 10-4 lead. 

Toney pitched four innings for Callaway before being replaced by Layla Elkins for the final two innings. 

Kemp and Ella Kelly led the way for the Callaway offense, generating two hits apiece. Kaitlyn Williams, Kinley Smith, Toney, Walker and Rice all had one hit each. 

Callaway starts the season 0-1 and will get a chance to get in the win column on Thursday on the road to rival Heard County.