WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – What was originally scheduled as a road doubleheader turned into a home matchup at Wilson Park, as the Carolina University Bruins Softball team hosted Bluefield State on Wednesday, March 18 after winter weather forced a location change. The Bruins battled throughout the afternoon but ultimately fell in both contests, 8-0 in Game One and 12-10 in a high-scoring Game Two.
"Today was a tough one for us," said Interim Head Coach Danielle Brooks. "We showed fight, especially in the second game, but we have to clean up mistakes and find consistency as a group. This team continues to compete, and we'll look to bounce back quickly."
Game One: Bluefield State 8, Carolina University 0
Bluefield State jumped out early and maintained control throughout the opener, plating runs in four of the six innings en route to an 8-0 victory.
The Blues got on the board in the first inning and never looked back, finishing with 10 hits and capitalizing on key opportunities. Carolina was held scoreless despite tallying six hits on the afternoon.
Offensively, the Bruins saw multi-hit performances from Chloe Herbster and Emma-Lea Cabral, while Nathaly Ochoa and Emily Wilson each added a hit. Cabral also recorded a double for Carolina's lone extra-base hit.
In the circle, Madison Hamilton took the loss, allowing five runs (four earned) over 3.1 innings. Ellie Haas provided relief, tossing 2.2 innings while allowing three runs.
Defensively, Carolina committed two errors, while Bluefield State's Jackie Sandy led the visitors both at the plate and in the circle, earning the win with a complete-game shutout.
Game Two: Bluefield State 12, Carolina University 10
The second game turned into an offensive shootout, with both teams combining for 22 runs and 25 hits. Despite a strong effort from the Bruins, Bluefield State edged Carolina 12-10.
Carolina struck first with two runs in the opening inning and later rallied with a five-run fourth inning to erase a deficit and keep the game within reach.
The Bruins' offense was led by Jocelyn DeMoss, who scored three runs and reached base four times, while Madison Hamilton went 3-for-5 with two RBIs. Emily Wilson added two hits and three RBIs, and Lexi Hall contributed a key two-run double as part of her three-RBI performance.
Carolina totaled 13 hits in the contest, showcasing improved offensive production from Game One.
In the circle, Anni Bergmeier started and was charged with the loss after allowing eight runs (five earned) over 3.2 innings. Hamilton returned in relief, pitching 3.1 innings.
Defensively, the Bruins were hindered by five errors, which proved costly in a tightly contested game.
Carolina University will look to quickly regroup as they return to action on Thursday, March 19, hosting Milligan in another home doubleheader at Wilson Park with first pitch scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
