Winston-Salem, N.C. – After opening the 2026 season 0-4, Carolina University Softball found its rhythm Tuesday afternoon just minutes from campus, taking on Salem College in a non-conference doubleheader. The Bruins responded in emphatic fashion, earning their first win of the season and showcasing an offensive surge across the two contests.

Game 1 – Bruins Break Through with 7–1 Victory

Carolina University wasted no time setting the tone in the opener, plating two runs in the first inning highlighted by a two-run home run from Emma-Lea Cabral. The Bruins added four more runs in the third inning behind timely extra-base hits from Jocelyn DeMoss and Anni Bergmeier to seize full control of the game.

Anni Bergmeier delivered a complete-game performance in the circle, allowing just four hits and one unearned run while striking out five to secure the Bruins' first win of the season.

Offensively, Carolina tallied seven runs on seven hits. Cabral led the way with a home run and two RBIs, while DeMoss and Bergmeier each contributed run-producing extra-base hits. The Bruins added an insurance run in the fifth inning to seal the 7–1 result.

Game 2 – Offensive Explosion Fuels 21–9 Rout

The Bruins' bats stayed hot in game two, erupting for 21 runs on 21 hits in a dominant offensive showcase.

Carolina opened with a six-run first inning, sparked by Cabral's three-run homer. The Bruins continued to apply pressure, adding two runs in the second before breaking the game open with a seven-run fourth inning and six more in the fifth.

Emma-Lea Cabral delivered a monster performance, finishing with four hits and five RBIs, while Jocelyn DeMoss drove in five runs of her own and hit her first career homerun. Lexi Hall added a home run and four RBIs, and Skyla Hailey and Stacie Sanders each recorded multi-hit games in the rout.

Madison Hamilton earned the win in the circle, working five innings as the Bruins overpowered Salem to secure the doubleheader sweep.

Coach's Quote

Head Coach Jay Johnson praised his team's response after the slow start:

"I'm really proud of how our group responded today. After starting the season 0-4, we challenged them to stay confident and trust the work we've been putting in. They came out aggressive at the plate, played with energy, and supported each other all day. This is the standard we believe we're capable of, and it was great to see it come together."

Carolina University Softball will look to carry the momentum forward with a quick turnaround, returning to action Wednesday as they host Bluefield University in a doubleheader beginning at 1:00 PM