It was anything but a normal home opener for the Callaway softball team on Thursday as they had to head across town to Shuford Fields with their home field currently undergoing renovations. The Cavaliers were able to capture an early lead and never let up in their 10-3 win over Manchester.

It was the second game in a truncated version of the annual Callaway Classic tournament with game one between Manchester and Spalding taking place before the Cavaliers matchup.

Callaway, officially listed as the away team, took advantage of getting to bat in the top of the first and scored two runs to take an early lead. Kinley Smith opened the scoring with a two-run single that she put out right up the middle of the diamond. With the bases loaded and two outs, Junior Kiera Trone came through in a big way with a two-run single of her own.

After a scoreless bottom of the first, Callaway’s offense went right back to work in the top of the second, scoring five runs to take a commanding 9-0 lead. Smith doubled to drive in a run and an error at third base allowed a second run to score on the play. Freshman Ella Kelly got in on the fun with a one-run double. Trone grounded out to drive home the fourth run of the inning. Kelly stole home for the final run of the inning.

The Blue Devils eventually struck back with a pair of runs in the bottom of the third to put a small dent in the Callaway momentum.

The Cavaliers got a run back in the top of the fourth courtesy of a one-run single from Bella Cleveland. Callaway left some runs on the bases as the team left runners on all three bases to end in the inning.

Manchester kept fighting, putting another run on the board to cut the Callaway lead to 10-3.

Kelly has been extremely impressive in her first two games with the varsity team, going 5-for-6 in the two games combined. She also got her first career RBI and her second and third run scored on the season.

Smith also had an impressive showing, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs and two runs scored.

Kaitlyn Williams had two hits while Savannah Rice, Mackenzie Toney, Karlie Walker, Trone and Cleveland all had a hit apiece.

Cleveland, a sophomore, got her first start in the circle of the season.

Callaway is now 1-1 on the season. The Cavaliers will be back on the diamond at noon Saturday as they host Spalding at Shuford Fields