In Game 1, Carolina University's softball team fought hard but ultimately fell to Milligan University in a
tough 4-3 loss in their first game on February 23, 2025, at Wilson Park.
The game started with Milligan's Johnson hitting a solo home run down the left field line, putting
Milligan ahead early. Carolina responded in the bottom of the first inning when Thomas singled, stole
third base, and scored on a groundout by Bolch, tying the game at 1-1.
Both teams fought hard defensively through the next few innings. Carolina managed to take the lead in
the third inning, with Sullivan's RBI single driving in Brooks to put Carolina up 2-1. However, Milligan
took control in the top of the fourth inning, scoring two runs and taking a 3-2 lead.
Carolina tied it again in the bottom of the fifth when Brown singled up the middle, scoring Hays to make
it 3-3. Despite a strong effort from Carolina's offense, which tallied 12 hits, Milligan's Presnell pitched a
complete game and held Carolina scoreless in the final two innings.
In the seventh inning, Milligan's Johnson doubled, and J. Roulettwh's RBI single brought Johnson home
for the game-winning run. Carolina had a chance to respond in the bottom of the seventh with runners
on base, but Milligan's defense held firm, sealing the 4-3 win.
Brooks went seven innings for Carolina, allowing four earned runs on nine hits, while striking out two.
Despite strong effort, Brooks suffered the loss, dropping her record to 2-2 on the season.
In the second game of the doubleheader, Carolina University struggled to keep pace, losing 8-3 to
Milligan University, resulting in a sweep for the day.
Carolina tied the game in the second inning when Hays launched a 3-run home run to left center, driving
in Payne and Sullivan. However, Milligan capitalized on Carolina's fielding errors in the fifth inning,
scoring five unearned runs, which ultimately secured their victory. Milligan's Caldwell came in as relief
and delivered a strong performance, allowing only one hit over 5.1 innings, earning the win.
Despite Carolina's efforts, they were limited to five hits, with Payne contributing two of them. Hamilton
started on the mound for Carolina but was charged with the loss after allowing eight runs, three earned,
over 4.2 innings. Milligan's aggressive play and efficient pitching closed out the game, keeping Carolina
off the scoreboard for the final five innings.