BRIGHTON — After falling behind early, the Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School softball team wasted no time racing past Moore Haven, 18-2, in the Lady Seminoles’ home opener on March 7 at Ollie Jones Memorial Park in Brighton.

PECS trailed 1-0 after a half inning, but then scored five times in the bottom of the first, six in the second and seven in the third when the game was called. Winning pitcher Elle Thomas had three hits, including two triples. Kayln Hammil had an inside-the-park home run. Karey Gopher blasted a double. Mariah Billie had two RBIs.

PECS evened its record at 1-1 after an opening day loss against LaBelle.

“They’re doing good,” said PECS coach Melissa Hines. “It was a little rough in the beginning, but they’re coming together really well. We’re proud of them.”

PECS enjoys strength in the circle and behind the plate with Thomas and Haley Huff handling pitching duties, and Thomas and Karey Gopher sharing the catcher position.

“We’re fortunate enough we’re able to switch them out. That helps tremendously,” Hines said.

The starting batting order against Moore Haven consisted of: Haylie Huff (2B), Kalyn Hammill (SS), Caylie Huff (2B), Elle Thomas (P), Mariah Billie (RF), Karey Gopher (C), Karoline Urbina (CF), Lashae King (3B) and Angelie Melton (LF) with Shylynn Testerman as a substitute.

With only two eighth-graders – the Huff sisters – Hines said the team has time to grow.

“Just continue to improve, come together and have fun; that’s the most important thing,” said Hines, who is assisted by assistant coach Nicole Platt and parent volunteer coach Mona Baker. “I think they have fun for the most part. We try to keep it positive. We don’t want to break them down, we want to build them up.”