Senior Mary Martinez has stepped away from Middle Tennessee softball, leaving a gap in the Blue Raider pitching circle. 

“Martinez made her own decision to step away from the team,” athletic communications assistant Andie Dolven said. 

The right-handed pitcher started eight games, pitching in 15 before departing from the team.  

The Kingwood, Texas, native started her career with MTSU Conference USA opponent, Louisiana Tech, during her freshman year. During her stay, voters selected Martinez as the CUSA pitcher of the week and made the CUSA all-freshmen team.  

After transferring to Middle Tennessee for her sophomore year, Martinez appeared in 26 games, made the CUSA Commissioner’s Honor Roll, recorded a team high three saves and threw for 85 2/3 innings — for the second most of the team. 

With Martinez’s departure, the pitching circle is left to freshmen Braelyn Hall and Elle Hildreth, sophomore Halle Klaiber and senior Tori Coffman.  

The Blue Raiders have struggled so far this season, sitting at 13-21 following an eight-game losing streak.  

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