Lady Cats Sweep Road Twinbill at Crowley's Ridge College
PARAGOULD, Ark. - The Bethel University Lady Cats powered their way to a doubleheader sweep Friday afternoon at Pioneer Park, defeating Crowley's Ridge College 13-7 in the opener before securing a 6-3 win in game two. The nightcap was called due to darkness after six innings.
Game One: Offensive Explosion Fuels 13-7 Victory
Bethel erupted for 18 hits in the first game, overcoming an early deficit with consistent pressure throughout the lineup.
After Crowley's Ridge jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the first inning, the Lady Cats answered with four runs in the second and never looked back. Riley Sharp delivered the biggest swing of the afternoon, blasting a home run and driving in five runs. Sharp finished 3-for-5 and added a double to cap a dominant performance.
Amelia Sherrill and Kinsley Caruthers each drove in two runs, while Kalani Hernandez collected two doubles and two RBIs. Kayleigh Dunn was nearly perfect at the plate, going 4-for-4 with a double and an RBI, and Kinsley Nichols scored three times while swiping a base.
Crowley's Ridge responded behind a three-run homer from Lilly Wessel, but Bethel answered with three runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh to create separation.
In the circle, Briley Auvenshine handled the first three innings before Kinsley Caruthers entered in relief. Caruthers (1-1) picked up the win, allowing just two runs over four innings while limiting the damage and keeping the hosts from mounting a comeback.
Game Two: Sharp, Sherrill Close the Door in 6-3 Win
The Lady Cats carried momentum into game two, using timely hitting and strong relief pitching to complete the sweep.
Crowley's Ridge struck first with three runs in the opening inning, highlighted by a two-run homer from Jordan Janak. Bethel responded steadily. Riley Sharp launched her second home run of the day — a two-run shot — to spark the offense. Kinsley Nichols added a two-RBI single, and Kayleigh Dunn continued her strong afternoon with two more hits and an RBI.
Kalani Hernandez stayed hot at the plate, going 2-for-2 with two doubles and scoring once.
After giving up three early runs, Kinsley Caruthers settled in before turning things over to Amelia Sherrill. Sherrill (3-0) was dominant in relief, tossing four shutout innings while allowing just one hit and striking out four to secure the victory.
Bethel's defense was sharp in both games, committing no errors on the day while turning in solid work behind their pitching staff.
The Lady Cats moved to 5-3 while CRC dropped to 0-12 on the season.
With the sweep, the Lady Cats improve their early-season record and build momentum heading deeper into their road stretch.
The Cats remain on the road as they meet Williams Baptist Saturday in Walnut Ridge with play beginning at 1 p.m.
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