HICKORY, NC - The Lenoir-Rhyne softball team opened their 2025 campaign on Friday night in Gulf Shores, Alabama, Following a long rain delay and a postponed game, the Bears fell 9-5 to nationally ranked Central Oklahoma. The Bears led 5-0 before the Broncho's stormed back with nine unanswered runs to get the win.
INSIDE THEÂ MATCHUP:
Final:Â #4Â Lenoir-Rhyne 5, #24 Central Oklahoma 9
Records:Â Lenoir-Rhyne (0-1), Central Oklahoma (1-0)
Location:Â Gulf Shores, Ala. | GS Sportsplex
STORY OF THE GAME
- Both pitchers started out hot, as the game was scoreless through the first four innings.
- The Bears scored all their runs in the fifth inning, with Cassidy Wall opening the scoring on a Broncho's throwing error.
- Kaylee Chapman scored a few batters later on a double-steal, doubling the Bears' lead.
- Julia Mardigian then notched her first RBI of the season, scoring Kaylan Brown with a single down the left side.
- Madison Primm closed out the scoring with a 2 RBI single to center.
- Central Oklahoma scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth, and continued with five more in the bottom of the sixth to get the win.
STATSÂ OF THE MATCH:
- Seven Bears had a hit in the game, with Primm leading with 2 RBI's.
- Starting pitcher Madison Wilson struck out four in five innings of work.
- Faith Carrigan (0-1) took the loss for the Bears.
- Going back to last season, Julia Mardigian now has a hit in 11 of her last 12 games.
UP NEXT:Â The Bears are scheduled to play two more tomorrow, as they are set to face off against #6 Auburn Montgomery at 2 p.m. ET and Spring Hill at 4:15 ET. The Bears know AUM well, as the the two teams faced off in last year's World Series, with LR taking the game 1-0 in nine innings. Game times are subject to change due to weather.Â
