{"id":11515031,"date":"2025-06-24T06:00:18","date_gmt":"2025-06-24T10:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.baltimoresun.com\/?p=11515031"},"modified":"2025-06-23T20:02:53","modified_gmt":"2025-06-24T00:02:53","slug":"carroll-county-all-county-softball-caylee-clark-hailey-facchine-earn-top-honors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.baltimoresun.com\/2025\/06\/24\/carroll-county-all-county-softball-caylee-clark-hailey-facchine-earn-top-honors\/","title":{"rendered":"Carroll County All-County softball: Caylee Clark, Hailey Facchine earn top honors"},"content":{"rendered":"

Despite a solid 2024 campaign that earned her first-team All-County honors, Century third baseman Caylee Clark wasn\u2019t content. Heading into her senior season, she had one goal in mind: prove to everyone she belonged among the county\u2019s best.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just felt like I could do better after last season,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

From the first pitch of 2025, Clark was clearly the focal point for all Century opponents. It didn’t stop her from putting on a show. <\/p>\n

She batted .534 with three home runs and an .879 slugging percentage. Defensively, she anchored the infield at third base, recording a fielding percentage above .950.<\/p>\n

For her efforts, Century\u2019s Caylee Clark has been named the 2025 Carroll County Times softball Player of the Year.<\/p>\n

Determined to make a statement, Clark rose to the occasion in marquee matchups. After years of frustration, she had one name at the top of her list: Two-time Player of the Year and Quinnipiac commit, Francis Scott Key ace Jasmine Kline.<\/p>\n

Clark didn\u2019t just meet the challenge, she surpassed it. She hit not one, but two home runs off Kline, sending a message across the county and setting the tone for her season. She built off each moment of success and became a steadying force for first-year coach Tyler Murr.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe took on a leadership role knowing she was on a younger team,\u201d Murr said. \u201cEvery game, she embraced the competition and held her own against the county\u2019s best, while also being a strong presence in the dugout. Not many athletes can balance both roles.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clark\u2019s early-season success carried through. She recorded three hits and three RBIs in a win over Winters Mill. In the April matchup against FSK, her first home run off Kline accounted for the Knights\u2019 only run.<\/p>\n

She was one of the few players to notch hits against both Pitcher of the Year finalists, consistently raising her level of play when the Knights needed it most and when the county\u2019s best came to challenge her. Clark, who is headed to Coker University in South Carloina, credits her improvement at the plate to a more relaxed, confident mindset.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told myself, yeah, strikeouts are going to happen, and yeah, I might make mistakes, but it\u2019s part of the game,\u201d she said. \u201cI just wanted to put the bat on the ball \u2014 even if it was a popout or groundout.\u201d<\/p>\n

That mindset carried over to third base, where she routinely impressed with her range and instincts.<\/p>\n

With a young roster and a new coach, Clark\u2019s leadership stood out. Her voice was often the one echoing from the field or dugout, keeping the team composed during tough stretches while helping lay the foundation for the program\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

She responded to every setback, whether it was a rare defensive miscue or a hard-hit ball caught for an out, by staying locked in and continuing to contribute. Her consistency, resilience and presence left a mark throughout the season.<\/p>\n

By the end of the season, she wasn\u2019t just in the conversation with the county\u2019s best players\u2014she was at the top of it.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe is everything a softball player should strive to be,\u201d Murr said. \u201cShe brings energy, effort and a great attitude to everything she does.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Manchester
Manchester Valley pitcher Hailey Facchine went 8-3 with a 1.78 ERA, and a Carroll County-leading 92 strikeouts. (Brian Krista\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Manchester Valley’s Hailey Facchine named Pitcher of the Year<\/h4>\n

With more than 20 years of softball coaching experience, Mike Hernandez knows that few things are more valuable than a true ace \u2014 a pitcher who can handle pressure, learn from every outing, every pitch, and consistently give her team a chance to win.<\/p>\n

This season, Hailey Facchine was that pitcher for Manchester Valley, going\u00a0 8-3 with a 1.78 ERA, and a Carroll County-leading 92 strikeouts.<\/p>\n

Facchine has been named the 2025 Carroll County Softball Pitcher of the Year.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe had a great year, she put us on her shoulders at times,\u201d Hernandez said. \u201cWhen she pitched, we never had to worry about playing from behind, we knew she would keep us in the game.\u201d<\/p>\n

From the first offseason workout, Hernandez saw Facchine\u2019s potential \u2014 not just in her ability, but in the trust she inspired from her teammates. The Mavericks played their best softball with her in the circle, backed by a steady defense and growing confidence across the roster.<\/p>\n