Bears stay alive in South Central District Tournament with comeback victory over the NOC Enid Jets

Thursday, May 8, 2025: Softball

Piedmont, OK

This morning, the Baton Rouge Bears faced off against the Northern Oklahoma College Enid Jets in an elimination game of the South Central District Tournament at F&M Bank Stadium. The Bears rallied late to secure a 2-1 victory, marking their first-ever postseason win. The team received outstanding pitching performances from freshman Abbey Borel and sophomore Maddie Robinson, along with a crucial pinch-hit double from Mary Wicke.

The Bears threatened in the bottom of the second inning, loading the bases with a walk from Lindsey Hudson, a double to right field by Rylee Guthrie, and another walk from Jennifer Fontenot, all with two outs. However, the Jets managed to induce an infield fly out from Kennedy Kelly to escape the jam unscathed.

The Jets struck first in the top of the third inning when C. Cook hit a single to the left-center field gap, scoring on a double by Z. Zachry.

Both teams had opportunities throughout the middle innings but were unable to capitalize against the opposing pitchers.

The Bears finally broke through in the sixth inning, scoring two runs to take a 2-1 lead. Jardyn Wheeler reached base due to an error, and Mary Wicke came off the bench to hit a double off the left-field wall, bringing Wheeler home for the Bears' first run. Lindsey Hudson then reached base on an error by the Jets' second baseman, allowing a hustling Wicke to score from second.

Maddie Robinson took the mound for the Bears in the top of the seventh inning. After quickly recording two outs, the Jets fought back, with C. Cook drawing a walk and Z. Zachry hitting an infield single to put two runners on base. However, Robinson struck out H. Haulcombe to end the game and secure the win for the Bears. That strike out was Robinson 101 of the season.

Abbey Borel earned the victory for the Bears, pitching 6 innings, allowing 1 run on 4 hits, walking 2, and striking out 4. Maddie Robinson pitched 1 inning and earned her sixth save of the season. L. Thompson started for the Jets and was charged with the loss, pitching 6 innings, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits, walking 3, and striking out 7.

Bears Highlights:

Jardyn Wheeler went 1 for 3 with 1 run

Mary Wicke went 1 for 1 with 1 run and 1 double

Lindsey Hudson went  1 for 2 with 1 walk

Rylee Guthrie went 1 for 3

Jennifer Fontenot had 1 walk

Maddie Robinson had 1 walk

With this victory, the Bears improved their record to 23-17, while the Jets fell to 11-38 for the season. Baton Rouge now leads the all-time series with one victory over NOC Enid.

The Bears will play the loser of Game 7, which is between the winner of Game 4 (Connor State) and the winner of Game 2 (Rose State). This game is scheduled for 11 AM on Friday, May 9, 2025.

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