Lady Arrow softball team off to strong start

By Danny C. Davis

The Clinton High School Lady Arrows softball team is off to a 5-3 start of the season, which includes a 17-2 home game win on February 19 against Florence, as well as a big win, 24-6, against Wesson on February 24.

Last season, CHS finished 19-12, defeating Desoto Central on the road in the opening round of the MHSAA Class 7A North girls playoffs. The Lady Arrows fell in the second round of the North playoffs to South Panola in a couple of close games, 4-2, and 5-2.

The talented 2025 team had five seniors, including four starters. Three of the senior girls signed softball scholarships with community colleges.

Fifth-year Lady Arrow head coach Rachel Hurley is optimistic about her team this year, with a lot of starters back and other players that saw a lot of action last season.

Some of the returning starters include junior centerfielder Keelyn Constancio, junior third baseman and pitcher Madison Nelson, junior first baseman Anna Raines, and sophomore catcher Kaelyn Thames. Also returning are two girls who played a lot in 2025, Cailyn Willis and Jaelyn Gholar.

The Lady Arrows opened the season with a 12-11 win over rival Brandon. CHS also defeated Florence at Florence 7-6 and defeated Union Mississippi High School. The lone loss was 9-1 to South Panola.

“We had a really strong off season, and that is one thing we really pride ourself on is how hard we really work in the offseason,” said Hurley, who is starting her 15th year coaching softball. “We get to work on a little more chemistry in the off season. We have a new middle infield, and we had to get used to that. The offseason helped the girls build a lot more trust in each other.”

“We also have a new pitcher in the circle this year. Freshman Presleigh Burrow had a lot of JV innings last year, but she can handle pitching at the varsity level this year. She had a really good off season and works hard. She is a strong kid and like a bull on the mound. We also have Madison Nelson, who has pitched for us since she was in the eighth grade. They both compete against each other, and we feel good with either one on the mound pitching for us,” said Hurley.

When asked about the best hitter on the team, Hurley said the entire lineup hits well.

“I think our best hitter just depends on that day. At any point in the game, we are able to use our speed on the bases to our advantage. I trust any of our girls when we put the game on the line. We want to be very versatile. I think to be a good hitter that you do not have to hit the ball out of the park. It is just about having a quality hit when you are at bat, to do the thing the team needs you to do in that moment.”

“We are like family on our team. With them, I feel like I have 26 of my own kids. I love them and would not want to take the field with any other group – and they work so hard.”
“Our district, Region 2-7A is so tough, and we have to compete every day. It depends on who wants the game more for a full seven innings of play. Region 2-7A is like playing against all of the SEC schools. And Region1-7A is all really good teams to compete against, also,”said Hurley.

District (Region 2-7A) opponents include Madison Central, Germantown, Starkville, Oxford and Jackson Murrah.