Winston-Salem, N.C. – The Carolina University Softball team opened the 2026 season on Wednesday, February 18 at Wilson Park, hosting Lees-McRae College for a doubleheader to begin their spring campaign. The Bruins battled across both contests, showing resilience at the plate, highlighted by a power surge in Game 1, before ultimately splitting the day's action.

Game 1 – Lees-McRae 9, Carolina University 4

Carolina University found itself in an early deficit after Lees-McRae used a five-run third inning to seize momentum. The Bobcats added another run in the fourth and three more in the seventh to extend their lead.

The Bruins answered in the bottom of the fourth inning in a big way. With the bases loaded, Emma-Lea Cabral delivered the highlight swing of the game, launching a grand slam to right-center field to put Carolina on the board and cut the deficit to two runs at the time. Cabral finished with two hits and four RBIs to lead the Bruins offensively.

Carolina scattered four hits in the contest, with additional base knocks coming from Jocelyn DeMoss and Lexi Hall. Despite the mid-game surge, the Bruins were unable to complete the comeback as Lees-McRae closed out the 9-4 decision.

Game 2 – Lees-McRae 21, Carolina University 9

Game 2 featured an offensive barrage early from Lees-McRae, who plated five runs in the first inning and six more in the second to build a double-digit lead.

Carolina showed fight throughout the matchup, responding with three runs in the second inning and a five-run fourth inning. Key offensive contributors included:

• Stacie Sanders – 2 hits, 3 RBIs

• Jocelyn DeMoss – 2 hits, RBI

• Emma-Lea Cabral – 2 hits, RBI, triple and double

• Lexi Hall – 2 hits, including doubles

• Nathaly Ochoa – RBI and multiple stolen bases
   

The Bruins tallied 11 hits as a team, capitalizing on timely hitting during their fourth-inning rally to briefly swing momentum. However, Lees-McRae continued to add runs late to secure the 21-9 final.

Coach's Quote

Head Coach Jay Johnson praised his team's effort while emphasizing growth early in the season:

"Opening day always brings excitement and learning moments. I'm proud of the way our team competed, especially the fight we showed offensively. We saw some really positive things at the plate that we can build on. Now it's about tightening up defensively and continuing to grow as a unit as we move forward this season."

Up Next

Carolina University will look to carry the offensive momentum from opening day, as they host Spartanburg Methodist on Thursday, February 19 at Wilson Park in a doubleheader.