Softball Splits Home Opener Against Lyon College

Softball Splits Home Opener Against Lyon College-Wil Teague, Sports Information Director, 3/8/25

Photo by Paige Glenn (CRC Marketing Major '25)

Pioneer Softball split with the Scots of Lyon College in this afternoon's 2025 season home opener at Pioneer Park. The Lady Pioneers settle in at 4-6 on the year. 

Game 1

Crowley's Ridge- 5

Lyon College- 7

Paragould, Ark.- Lyon College spoiled the Pioneers' home opener by glancing past CRC with two runs in the opening contest, credited to a late surge where the Scots scored a lead-changing four runs in the 6th inning to take the matchup. The Pioneers led the Scots 5-2 heading into the 6th frame with the Pioneers scoring one in the first off a Karsen Overshine batted ball, one in the second off a fielder's choice, and three more in the third with an RBI double from Kylie Cox, and two errors from the Scots. Regretfully, the Scots' four-run final charge in the big inning would be enough to surpass CRC for the win. The Pioneers amassed 11 hits in the game, senior Kylie Cox led the offense being a perfect 4 for 4 with a double and RBI. Senior Jocelyn Villarreal added a 2 for 4 game with one run scored for the Pioneers. Senior Halea Wells took the loss with the Texan whirling 5.1 innings, spacing 11 hits, allowing 6 runs, walking 3, and striking out 2 in the outing. 

Game 2

Crowley's Ridge- 5

Lyon College- 3

Paragould, Ark.- Five runs would be the magic number in game two with the Pioneers flipping the script and pulling out the two-run win from Lyon College to force the doubleheader split. The Pioneers claimed the contest by providing runs every other inning with Bailey Cupples opening the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the first. In the third and fifth frames, the Pioneers posted a pair of runs each inning with Cupples doubling for her second RBI and Lilly Wessel bringing in her first with a sacrifice fly in the third,  and Jordan Janak finishing the run total with a 2 RBI double down the left field line in the fifth. The Scots hung with the PIoneers with two runs of their own in the third and gave the Pioneers a final scare with a solo homer in the 7th but would fall short of the comeback with the Pioneers retiring the final out with a fly out to center two batters later. The Pioneers collected a second round of 11 hits with Hadlee DeFries, Karsen Overshine, Kylie Cox, and Jordan Janak all having two hits in the contest. Bailey Cupples and Janak led the team in RBI with 2 a piece. Natalie Brightwell earned her second win of the season, windmilling her second complete game from the circle. The RHP allowed 3 runs off 7 hits while striking out 2 in her 7.0 innings of work. 

Up Next: Pioneer Softball will hit the road in a non-conference DH matchup against Rust College in Holly Springs, MS on Tuesday, March 11th. #GOPIONEERS