Bears Softball Dropped Pair of Games to Conclude Mardi Gras Invitational

Saturday, February 1, 2025: Softball 

Youngsville, LA 

The Baton Rouge Bears softball team struggled on the diamond during day two of the Mardi Gras Invitational at the Youngsville Sports Complex. The Bears experienced a heartbreaking loss to Parkland College, falling 3-2, and then lost to the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain Bucks by a score of 11-2, in six innings. 

In the opening game against Parkland College, the Bears initially held their ground. However, Parkland scored two runs in the sixth inning to secure a comeback victory. The game showcased a classic pitching duel between the Bears' Maddie Robinson and Parkland's Brown. 

Parkland struck first by scoring a single run in the fifth inning, despite Maddie Robinson's strong performance in holding their offense at bay. In the sixth inning, the Bears finally rallied. Maddie Robinson drew a walk, and Kyla Ashford followed with a double to left field, putting runners on second and third. Mary Wicke then delivered a single up the middle, driving in Robinson and Ashford to give the Bears a 2-1 lead. However, Parkland responded by plating two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, taking a 3-2 lead. The Bears went down in order in the top of the seventh, resulting in the 3-2 loss. 

Maddie Robinson took the loss for the Bears, pitching six innings and allowing three runs (one earned) on six hits, while walking one batter and striking out eight. Brown secured the victory for Parkland, pitching seven innings and allowing two runs on two hits, with two walks and three strikeouts. 

Parkland outhit Baton Rouge 6 to 2, and the Bears committed two errors during the game. With this loss, the Bears' record fell to 1-2, while Parkland improved to 3-1 for the season. 

Bears Highlights: 

Kyla Ashford went 1 for 3 with 1 run 

Mary Wicke went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs 

Maddie Robinson went struck out 8 batters 

The Bears concluded their participation in the Mardi Gras Invitational at 3 PM against the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain. 

In the second game against UARM, the Bucks capitalized on a strong inning, defeating Baton Rouge 11-2 in six innings. UARM scored two runs in the first inning, taking an early lead, and added another run in the third inning to extend their advantage to 3-0. The Bears started to find their rhythm in the fourth inning when Mary Wicke hit a double to left field and later scored on a single by Ashton Duhon. After four innings, the Bears trailed 3-1. 

The Bucks, however, exploded for five runs in the fifth inning, taking a commanding 9-1 lead over the Bears. The Bears fought back and managed to score one run in the bottom of the fifth. Lindsey Hudson had a single and scored on another single by Mary Wicke, narrowing the deficit to 9-2. UARM added two more runs in the sixth inning, leading to an 11-2 victory as the Bears went down in order in the bottom of the inning. 

UARM out hit Baton Rouge 13-5, and the Bears committed five errors compared to two for UARM. 

Abbey Borel started on the mound for the Bears and took the loss, allowing two runs on three hits in her outing. Ashton Duhon and Devyn Latiolais pitched in relief. White started for the Bucks and earned the victory, pitching six innings and allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits, walking three and striking out two. 

With this loss, the Bears fell to 1-3, while the Bucks improved to 3-1 on the season. 

Bears Highlights: 

Mary Wicke went 2 for 3 with 1 run and 1 RBI 

Baylie Romero went 1 for 2 

Ashton Duhon went 1 for 3 

Lindsey Hudson went 1 for 2 with 1 run 

The Bears will return home to open their 2025 home schedule on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, with a 1 PM doubleheader against the Holmes Community College Bulldogs. The games will be held at the Hartley-Vey Oak Villa Sports Complex. 

For more information about the Lady Bears softball team, follow us on Twitter at (@brcc_softball), or find us on Facebook and Instagram at (BRCCAthletics).