Pioneer Softball Falls Twice on Opening Day

Pioneer Softball Falls Twice on Opening Day- Wil Teague, Sports Information Director, 2/5/25

Photo by Paige Glenn (CRC Marketing Major '25)

The Lady Pioneers opened the 2025 season with a rain-delayed, chilly double-header against the Dragons of NCAA DII Lane College. In the season's opener, CRC would fall on the road as Lane College claimed both afternoon contests. 

Game 1

Lane College- 7

Crowley's Ridge- 2

Jackson, TN- The Lane Dragons claimed the opening matchup with a gap of five runs as Lane College pushed 7 runs across the plate off 8 hits compared to the Pioneer's 2 runs off 6 hits. The Dragon's attack came in the early stages of the contest with all their run support reaching the plate in the first three innings. The Pioneers scrapped back with their two runs of the contest in the top of the fourth with Lilly Wessel and Kylie Cox driving in one runner each. CRC left 5 runners on base while stranding 4 Lady Dragons. Halea Wells took the loss for the Pioneers as the senior tossed 1.1 innings, surrendering 4 runs (3 earned) on 4 hits. Freshman Aimee Buckley made her collegiate debut relieving Wells and finishing the contest surrendering 3 runs (1 earned) off 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 2 over 4.2 innings. Cox led the offense with the team's sole multi-hit performance of a 2-3 (RBI) effort. Wessel added the team's sole extra-base hit with her 1-3 (2B, RBI) game.

Game 2

Lane College- 3

Crowley's Ridge- 0

Jackson, TN- The Pioneers were handed their first shutout loss of the season in game two with the Dragons skunking Crowley's Ridge despite the Pioneer offense outperforming the Dragons this go-round. CRC rattled off 8 hits but painfully left 9 runners stranded on base in the contest. LC's bats mustered 2 hits but took advantage of 6 free bases with walks from the Pioneer bullpen which aided them push their three runs across the plate. Natalie Brightwell took the loss, tossing 5.1 innings, allowing 3 runs off 2 hits while walking 5 and striking out 5. Karsen Overshine and Jocelyn Villarreal were the offensive standouts as both Pioneers collected two hits, Overshine (2-4) and Villareal (2-2). 

Up Next: The Lady Pioneers will hit the diamond again on Monday, February 10th in Springdale, Arkansas with a doubleheader against Ecclesia College. #GOPIONEERS