FAIRLEA- After a 12-2 loss to Pikeview last Friday, the Greenbrier East Lady Spartans softball season came to an unfortunate close in the sectional tournament.
They finished 16-12 and had some positive moments during their 2025 campaign that included a sweep of New York teams while playing in Myrtle Beach, SC.
East was a mix of veterans—they had five seniors: Ally Martin, Emily Pyles, Liz Wooding, Jenna Groves, and Haley Byars—and a strong core of younger players as well.
The Spartans were led in hitting by center fielder, sophomore, Reagan Cline. Cline is an extremely talented speedster who stole 37 bases and hit an incredible .548 for the year. She led the team with eight triples and 47 runs scored, and had seven doubles, four home runs, and 25 RBIs. It was a great year for the left-handed hitter.
Martin, who hit .457, broke out in a big way this season also. In just the second game of the year, Martin set the tone and laid the groundwork for the senior season she would have. She hit three homers in a win over Ripley and finished the season, ironically, with those three. She knocked in a team-leading 32 runs, was second with 24 runs scored, and tied for the team lead with eight doubles. Martin’s defense at second base was good and she improved there each season during her Spartan career.
Haylee Heaster (.400) and Maddie Baker (.396) were pleasant surprises this year for Aaron Ambler’s group. Heaster was third in hitting, had three home runs, 21 RBIs and tied with Martin with a team-leading eight doubles. Baker got on base a lot and had an On Base Percentage (OBP) of .463. She knocked in 10 runs and scored 17 of her own. Both Heaster and Baker will return next season and help solidify what should be a good lineup in 2026.
Groves saved her best for last as a member of the Lady Spartans. She hit .382, had 29 hits, 11 RBIs, scored 14 runs, and only struck out six times all year. She also locked down her side of the field and was a great defensive first baseman all season.
Kennah Collins (.365) and Liz Wooding (.364) round out the other .300+ hitters on the team. Collins had two triples, one home run, drove in 14 runs, and scored 17 more. In the pitcher’s circle, Collins logged 58 innings and had 48 strikeouts and will return as a team-leader next year. Wooding enjoyed her best season as a Spartan and had three triples, one homer, 16 RBIs, and scored 16 runs. Wooding also caught a lot of the season and made things easier for the girls in the circle.
Campbell Bundy just missed a .300 season and finished with a .296 average. She drove in 11 runs and split time with Wooding behind the plate. Bundy is a player who will most likely take a big step forward in ’26 if she puts in the offseason work.
Byars (4 stolen bases, 8 runs, 5 RBIs), Sydney Norman (.244, HR), Paige Totten (HR, 9 RBIs, 7 runs), Pyles, Bailey Birchfield (5 runs), Madilyn Wellman, Lacy Patriacca (2 doubles), and Norah Ambler (9 runs, 3 stolen bases) all had their big moments.
Pyles led the team in the circle and threw 65 innings. She struck out 42 batters and had an ERA of 5.92. Wellman pitched 27.2 innings and had a team-best 3.54 ERA among the pitching staff.
East has a positive outlook for the 2026 season next year. They will miss their seniors in a plethora of ways but should return enough young talent to field a good team. With the typical improvement young players make from one season to the next, the Lady Spartans should challenge for at least a regional appearance and possibly a state tournament berth next year if they can get a little luck on their side.
