The Carolina University Bruins softball team split a doubleheader against the Lincoln University Lions on February 25, 2025, at Wilson Park. The Bruins took the first game 10-2 but fell short in the second, losing 6-5 in a close contest.

Game 1: Bruins Dominate with Strong Bats

Carolina came out swinging in Game 1, scoring four runs in the first inning and adding six more in the second to secure a decisive 10-2 win. Danielle Brooks was dominant both on the mound and at the plate. She pitched a complete game, allowing just one earned run on six hits and striking out four, improving her record to 3-2. Offensively, Brooks contributed two hits, including an RBI double. Cameryn Hays powered the Bruins with a 2-run home run in the second inning, finishing with four RBIs. ZyMaijah Thomas also had a stellar day, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases and a double.

Lincoln's early 2-0 lead, aided by a few Carolina fielding errors, quickly disappeared as the Bruins' bats came alive. By the end of the second inning, Carolina had all the runs they needed to secure the win.

Game 2: Late Rally Falls Short for the Bruins

In Game 2, the Bruins couldn't overcome a late surge by Lincoln, falling 6-5. Carolina held a 3-0 lead after three innings, thanks to a solo in the park home run by Thomas and a two-run homer by Kalea Bolch. However, Lincoln fought back, scoring five unanswered runs across the fifth and sixth innings, taking advantage of Carolina's defensive miscues. A costly error allowed three unearned runs in the fifth, giving Lincoln the momentum.

Trailing 6-3 in the seventh inning, Carolina made one final push when Bolch launched her second home run of the game, a 2-run shot to bring the Bruins within one. Despite the rally, Lincoln's Foster closed out the game, securing her first win of the season.

Carolina's Madison Hamilton pitched all seven innings but took the loss, allowing six runs, only one of which was earned. The Bruins matched Lincoln with nine hits but were undone by three fielding errors.

Up Next
The Bruins will return to action on Saturday, March 1, for an exciting matchup against Grace College, the former program of Head Coach Jay Johnson. Carolina will look to bounce back and carry the momentum from their offensive production into this key contest.