Lady Cats Open Season with Dominant Wins Over Rust College

MCKENZIE, Tenn.– The Bethel University Lady Wildcats opened their 2025 season with a commanding 12-0 victory over Rust College Friday at Wildcat Park. Bethel's offense exploded early, securing a 10-run first inning and never looking back.

Explosive First Inning Sets the Tone

Bethel wasted no time asserting dominance, capitalizing on Rust's defensive miscues and delivering key hits. The Lady Wildcats tallied 10 runs in the opening frame, highlighted by a three-run homer from Miranda Carnell. Jaelyn Wiers also contributed with a two-run single, while Fallyn Jordan, Amme Benson, and Briley Auvenshine each added RBI hits.

Strong Pitching from Sherrill

Amelia Sherrill was stellar in the circle for Bethel, pitching a complete five-inning shutout. She allowed just two hits, struck out six, and walked only one batter in a dominant performance. Sherrill needed only 58 pitches to keep Rust's offense at bay.

Key Performers

• Bethel (TN):
• • Miranda Carnell: 1-for-2, HR, 3 RBI
  • Jaelyn Wiers: 1-for-2, 2 RBI
  • Fallyn Jordan: 2-for-3, RBI
  • Amelia Sherrill: 5.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 6 K

Cats Run Rule Rust in Game 2

The Lady Wildcats dominated Game 2 against Rust with a decisive 10-2 run-rule victory at Bethel's  Kahlden Complex. Bethel's offense exploded in the early innings, and strong pitching secured their second win of the season.

Early Offensive Surge

Bethel wasted no time getting on the board, scoring three runs in the first inning, highlighted by Miranda Carnell's two-run home run. The offensive pressure continued in the second when Bethel added another run, extending their lead to 4-0.

Rust managed to break through in the third inning, plating a run to make it 4-1. However, Bethel responded with a six-run outburst in the bottom half, putting the game out of reach. Carnell led the charge with a sacrifice fly, while Kinsley Nichols and Amme Benson each drove in runs to contribute to the rally.

Strong Pitching Performance

Kinsley Caruthers (1-0) picked up the win for Bethel, throwing five innings and allowing only two earned runs on five hits. She struck out four and walked just one, effectively keeping Rust's hitters off balance.

Leona Joshua (0-1) took the loss for Rust, surrendering 10 earned runs on 11 hits over four innings. Despite battling through the lineup, Bethel's relentless offense proved too much to handle.

Standout Performances

• Bethel (TN)
• • Miranda Carnell: 2-for-2, 3 RBI, HR
  • Kinsley Nichols: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, SB
  • Amme Benson: 2-for-3, 2 RBI
  • Jaelyn Wiers: 2-for-2, 2 R, SB
  • Jada Wynn: 1-for-1, RBI, R

Final Score

Bethel capitalized on aggressive baserunning, executing four stolen bases, while Rust struggled to generate momentum at the plate. The Lady Wildcats' efficiency on both sides of the ball solidified the run-rule victory in five innings.

Article by Derrick Hubble-SID Assistant