Softball Collects 34 Hits in AMC Doubleheader Split

Softball Collects 34 Hits in AMC Doubleheader Split- Wil Teague, Sports Information Director, 4/15/25

Pioneer Softball (16-20 & 7-9 AMC) split with the Lady Eutectics of UHSP (11-23 & 4-14 AMC), bouncing back in game two after UHSP snatched the opening contest in walkoff fashion. 

Game 1 (8 innings)

Crowley's Ridge- 2

UHSP- 3

St. Louis, MO- In the opening contest of the afternoon's American Midwest Conference doubleheader, the Lady Eutectics snatched the win in extra frames, walking off the Pioneers 3-2 in 8 innings. In the heartbreaking loss, the Lady Pioneers were not short on hits, matching a season-best 15 in the game, but would come up short, struggling to rally the timely hit as they left 12 runners standing on base. The game stayed locked at 0-0 with a pitcher's duel between senior Pioneer Natalie Brightwell and UHSP's Emma Henley until the Eutectics took the lead by pushing two runs to the plate in the bottom half of the sixth. Immediately, the Pioneers answered with Bailey Cupples taking full advantage of a UHSP mishap and senior Kourtni Jagneaux delivering a game-tying single to right field in the top of the seventh. Regrettably, UHSP would strand two Pioneers runners in the top of the eighth before winning the game with a walkoff single in the bottom half of the frame. Karsen Overshine and Jordan Janak led the offense with 3 for 4 performances. Natalie Brightwell took the no-decision going 6.0 innings, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) off 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 3. Aimee Buckley took the loss with the RHP surrendering 1 run (0 earned) off 5 hits in 1.2 innings. 

Game 2

Crowley's Ridge- 12

UHSP- 9

St. Louis, MO- In game two, the Lady Pioneers bounced back with a 3-run win over the Eutectics by besting their hit effort of game one, setting a new season high of 19 hits. The Lady Pioneers attacked early and often, scoring runs over the first four innings, but a big 6-run fifth inning push from UHSP reclaimed the lead from CRC. This time, without hesitation, CRC responded with their own 6-run wave in the top of the sixth, reclaiming the contest and forcing the conference split. Seniors Bailey Cupples and Jocelyn Villarreal led the team with 4 for 5 efforts from the box. Freshman Maddie Burris led the team in RBIs with 3, going 1 for 5 with a single. Freshman Ava Jessup and senior Halea Wells tag-teamed the pitching as Jessup earned the no-decision, allowing 8 runs (7 earned) off 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 1 over 4.0 innings. Wells picked up her 5th win, tossing the remaining 3.0 innings, allowing 1 run off 5 hits. 

Up Next: The Lady Pioneers will return home to host Columbia College this Friday at Pioneer Park. #GOPIONEERS