The first game of the season is in the books for the Lady Cats softball team and they are off to a hot start with a 10-2 victory over Cairo on Tuesday.

“Went well,” head coach Chris Bryant said. “We had no errors. Overall the girls played very well. We hit the ball well. Just very pleased overall for our first game.”

Sophomore pitcher Abby Gardner picked up the win with a complete game performance with five strikeouts. She held the Syrupmaids to only four hits while allowing two runs and walking one.

“[Abby] has really stepped up to the plate this year as a sophomore pitcher,” Bryant said. “She’s competing against these other teams with a lot junior and senior players. She’s hanging right there with them and going right after them. Even though we know they can swing it well she’s not scared to challenge them, which is a big advantage to us.”

Gardner also had a big night at the plate where she went 3-3, scored three runs and drove in one more. Junior CT Jones did the most damage for the Lady Cats as she drove in three runs and scored two on two hits and a walk.

“[C.T. Jones] started third base,” Bryant said. “She put her nose to the grindstones since after tryouts and just worked her way. She was actually a number two or three at third base and has worked her way to the top.”

Bainbridge fell behind early when Cairo scored a run in the top of the first on a triple to right field.

The Syrupmaids’ lead didn’t last for long though as Mabry Grace Briggs tied the game at one with a home run in the bottom of the first.

The Lady Cats tacked on three more runs in the bottom of each the second, fourth and fifth innings to pull away for the 10-2 victory.

The Lady Cats has their first region game of the year last night when they traveled to Harris County.

“I think we’re going to have to set the tones early against these guys,” Bryant said before the game. “We’re going to have to be able to play small ball. Do a lot of bunting and get they’re defense moving and out of position to be able to compete with these guys in our region.”

The Lady Cats travel to Thomasville for a tournament on Saturday and again on Tuesday for a doubleheader against the Lady Bulldogs.