Fort Lauderdale, FL — May 1, 2025

Carolina University got off to a strong start in the NCCAA South Region Tournament on Thursday afternoon, pulling out a 6–4 win over Paine College in the opening round, hosted by the University of Fort Lauderdale.

The Bruins wasted no time getting on the board, scoring twice in the top of the first inning to set the tone. Paine answered back with two runs of their own in the third to even things up, and from there it turned into a pitching duel until the final frame.

With the game tied 2–2 heading into the seventh, Carolina's bats came alive. The Bruins put up four runs in the top of the inning, highlighted by a clutch RBI single from starting pitcher Danielle Brooks and a key at-bat by Madison Hamilton, who drove in two more.

Brooks, who also pitched a complete game, was steady from start to finish. She allowed just one earned run on six hits over seven innings and didn't walk a batter, picking up her 13th win of the season.

Paine made things interesting in the bottom of the seventh, pushing across two runs to cut the lead to 6–4, but Brooks shut the door to seal the victory.

Chloe Herbster had a strong day at the plate, finishing 2-for-3 with a run scored. Madison Hamilton reached base three times and drove in a pair. Zy'Maijah Thomas and Nicole Otto added speed on the base paths, each swiping a base and combining for three runs. Kalea Bolch also reached base 3 times with 3 HBP. 

K. Carter took the loss for Paine, pitching all seven innings and giving up just two earned runs, but the Lions couldn't quite match Carolina's late-game push.
With the win, Carolina moves to 1–0 in tournament play and keeps their postseason hopes alive as they look ahead to the next round.

Key Players:
Carolina University

• Danielle Brooks – 7.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R (1 ER), 2 K; 1-for-3, RBI
• Madison Hamilton – Reached base 3 times, 2 RBIs, 1 H
• Kalea Bolch – Hit by pitch 3 times, scored a run
• Chloe Herbster – 2-for-3, run scored
• Zy'Maijah Thomas & Nicole Otto – Combined for 3 runs scored and 2 stolen bases

Paine College

• E. Segura – 1-for-3, RBI double, run scored
• A. Mena – 2-for-4, solid at the plate
• L. Sellam – 1-for-4, scored a run
• K. Carter – Complete game (7.0 IP), 6 R (2 ER), 4 K

Up Next:
With the win, Carolina U advances to the next round of the South Region bracket, they will play the winner of Trinity Baptist and Fort Lauderdale. They'll look to build on this momentum as tournament play continues.