'They want to be in the moment': Lady Cards make history
- Jun 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 10
The GRC Lady Cardinals are headed to the KHSAA state softball semifinals after a remarkable season that has already rewritten the record book.
At 38-5, Clark County owns the best GRC softball record ever and will face Bullitt East at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 12, at the University of Kentucky's John Cropp Stadium.
"These kids are so resilient," said Coach Matt Puckett. "They just battle. They want to be in the moment. And that's something you can't teach."
The Cards eliminated 2025 state runner-up Henderson County 2-1 on six hits and a stellar pitching performance by junior Lilli Hill, who also pitched the Cards to a 6-3 victory over Ashland in the state opener.
"What do you say about a team that in the first round of the regional tournament was within three outs of being sent home, then comes back and finds a way to score four runs to win, and then beats a team tonight that hasn't been beaten by any team in the state of Kentucky?" Puckett said after the game.
The journey makes the accomplishment even more special.
"This team being in the final four after winning only eight games two years ago is unbelievable," Puckett said. "And we aren't finished."
With the famous Cardinal Caravan rolling to Lexington once again, the huge display of community pride and support created an atmosphere the coaches and players appreciate.
"So many people from our community coming to the games has been huge," Puckett said. "The appreciation we have for the school district and Board of Education providing tickets and transportation is hard to put into words. The support is so amazing that it just brings you to tears."
As Clark County continues to thrive across multiple sports, Puckett believes GRC's softball breakthrough is another example of the culture built throughout the district.
"The girls and boys basketball teams won it all, and now here we are sitting in the final four," he said. "Clark County sports are making our mark among the best in Kentucky. I'm proud to be a part."
Despite the pressure of the state's biggest stage, Clark County's young lineup never appeared overwhelmed.
"We start four freshmen," Puckett said. "The moment is so big and they handled it and settled in. This team always finds a way."
Facing an elite opponent in the circle, the Lady Cards got the offense it needed to advance.
"The Henderson County pitcher is one of the best in the state and we teed up on her," Coach Puckett said. "It wasn't a big scoring affair, but we just find ways to do it. And for Lilli to come out and pitch the way she did two straight days is just incredible."
As the Cardinals prepare for Friday's semifinal matchup against Bullitt East, Puckett knows the support from the stands will continue to be a major part of the journey.
"The community support has been huge for us and we hope everyone comes out to help carry us to the championship. These girls deserve it. They are a great bunch of young ladies."
Elite Eight photos by GRC senior Ryan Houchens (CCPS Student Production Team)
Game 1 photos by GRC senior Ryan Houchens (CCPS Student Production Team)
