DENVER, N.C. — The East Lincoln High School Lady Mustang softball team was understandably over the moon after beating Rockingham County at the Western Regional Championship. They all knew what was next! The reality of heading to the State Championship was sinking in!

Tatum Martin, junior and first baseman, was especially eager and excited. “Mom, I want this so bad,” she told her mother. Tosha Martin, her mom, replied, “Then play like you want it bad! Finish what you started!”

Coached by Roger Wilson, Assistant Coaches Chris Crowe, Mike Freeman, Brian Gust and Shannon Mas, the East Lincoln High School women’s softball team had an outstanding season with an overall record of 25-3. The Lady Mustangs made school history in claiming their first title by beating West Alamance in the best of three series with a final score of 12-7 in game three.

“Our Denver community really showed up to support our Mustangs,” says Martin. “Our neighbors even decorated Tatum’s bedroom for when she returned home after the tournament! Scott Garrett, owner of Triple Crown in Denver has been Tatum’s hitting coach since she was 5 years old. He was there to support her, too. This experience truly brought out the best in our community!”

Alison Belcher, mother of Brylee, a freshman Lady Mustang, has this to say about her daughter’s freshman year. “Brylee started off this high school season with a bang and she’s so thankful to have been a part of this team. All of the older girls have been so wonderful in taking her in and it’s been an amazing season. The coaches and team have been everything we could ask for and Brylee just feels like it’s a privilege to be a part of it all.”

This senior class had an overall record of 69-6 as well as being conference champions three years in a row, making two Western Regional appearances and attaining the 2023 Western Regional Champions title and 2023 NCHSAA State Champions title.

Coach Roger Wilson states, “The Mustangs have reached this level of success by extreme hard work and dedication. The season never stops for most of the players. Most stay in shape by continuing to play year-round on competitive traveling teams.”

Taniyah Thomas was declared the Most Valuable Player in the State Finals due to her outstanding defense and hitting. During the State Finals, Taniyah controlled the middle infield. She made play after play at shortstop while batting 8-12 and scoring 7 runs scored and 4 RBIs.

Leah Correll, senior, was named East Lincoln’s Co-Most Valuable Player. She finished her Mustang career as the all-time win (46) and strikeout (401) leader. Her records are as follows: 2021 – 1-1 record, 2022 – 23-0 record, 2023 – 22-3 record. 2023 Western Foothills All Conference.

Betsy Eatmon , senior, was named East Lincoln’s Co-Most Valuable Player. Betsy finished her Mustang career with 114 hits and 115 RBIs along with becoming the all-time homerun leader with 30. Additionally, Betsy initiated and started a program called Lil’ Sis. The Lil’ Sis program gave young girls an opportunity to choose a high school player that they would like to meet and hang out with throughout the season. The girls had 3 one-hour practices in which the high school players worked with them. The Lil’ Sis was able to come to the games for free and most had an opportunity to be a bat girl for a game. The program ended up with 38 girls and will hold an end of season pizza party and the older girls plan to sign a picture for their Lil’ Sis to remember this season.

In addition to being an outstanding softball player, Taniyah Thomas, sophomore, was also a part of the basketball team that came up short in the Western Regionals to West Rowan. She was able to get some revenge in the third round of the softball playoffs when her Mustangs defeated West Rowan 5-3. Taniyah also played in the 2023 Western Foothills All Conference and was named the 2023 3A State Championship MVP.

“This team would not be where it is without the other 14 players. Everyone on this team contributed,” says Coach Wilson. “The team consisted of three seniors, five juniors, four sophomores, and five freshmen.”

Jaelyn Freeston, senior, played in 2023 Western Foothills All Conference Selections. She played in 27 games making some spectacular diving catches. She batted .383, 31 hits, 34 RBIs, 25 runs scored. Jaelyn had 5 home runs.

Tatum Martin, junior, also a part of the 2023 Western Foothills All Conference Selections, played in 23 games, playing RF / 1st base late in the season. Tatum was a steady hitter batting .494, 38 hits, 20 RBIs and 31 runs scored.

Madison Currence, a junior and another 2023 Western Foothills All Conference Selection, played in 26 games at 3rd base. Madison batted .406, 28 hits, 26 RBIs and 27 runs scored. Madison had 4 homeruns.

Emery Pethel, junior and 2023 Western Foothills All Conference Selection, played in 26 games, batting .277, 23 hits,23 RBIs and 14 runs scored.

Lauren Borchardt, sophomore, and 2023 Western Foothills All Conference Selection, played 1st / C. Lauren played on 21 games, batting .354 with 17 hits, 8 RBIs, 13 runs scored.

Lyla Haywood, freshman, was used primarily as a RF / DH. Lyla played in 26 games, batting .312 with 25 hits, 17 RBIs, and 17 runs scored.

Aubrey Gust, a junior, played 2nd, LF, and RF.

“Aubrey was a player that I could put anywhere on the field and not miss a beat,” says Coach Wilson. “She batted .257, 19 hits, 23 runs scored along with 8RBIs. She had two home runs. Kaitlyn Gust, freshman, was a stud in center field. When the ball was hit in the air, it seldom hit the ground. Her speed and knack for the ball is something special. She contributed with the bat as well with 15 hits,2 homeruns, 22 runs scored, and 8 RBIs.”

Congratulations, Lady Mustangs! Your community is proud of you!

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