Bears defeat Connors State to stay alive in the South Central District Tournament

Friday, May 9, 2025: Softball 

Piedmont, OK

The Baton Rouge Bears faced another elimination game this morning at F&B Bank Stadium against Connors State. The Bears delivered an outstanding pitching performance from Maddie Robinson, combined with a complete team effort at the plate and on defense, to secure a 4-0 victory over the Cowgirls and remain alive in the South-Central District Tournament.

The Bears struck first, scoring a run in the bottom of the first inning. Lindsey Hudson hit a single to right field, then scored on a double by Mary Wicke to left field.

In the bottom of the third inning, the Bears' offense came alive as they added two more runs to extend their lead to 3-0. Lindsey Hudson drew a walk and scored on a triple to center field by Maddie Robinson. Robinson then scored on a single to right field by Mary Wicke. Although Jardyn Wheeler reached base with a single to left field, both she and Wicke were stranded on second and third.

In the fourth inning, the Bears executed some small ball tactics to manufacture another run, increasing their lead to 4-0. Ashlyn Hebert reached first on an infield single, stole second, and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Rylee Guthrie. Kennedy Kelly grounded out to the shortstop, allowing Hebert to score on the play.

That would be all the offense the Bears needed, as pitcher Maddie Robinson struck out 10 Cowgirls, keeping them off balance at the plate throughout the morning. The Bears shut out the Cowgirls 4-0.

Maddie Robinson started in the circle for the Bears and earned the complete-game shutout victory. She pitched 7 innings, allowing 0 runs on 4 hits, walking none, and striking out 10. B. Ellis started for the Cowgirls and was credited with the loss, pitching 6 innings, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on 10 hits, and walking 1.

Bears Highlights:

Lindsey Hudson went 3 for 3 with 2 runs and 1 walk

Maddie Robinson went 1 for 4 with 1 run and 1 triple

Mary Wicke went 3 for 3 with 1 run and 1 double

Jardyn Wheeler went 2 for 3

Ashlyn Hebert went 1 for 3 with 1 run

Kennedy Kelly had 1 RBI

With this victory, the Bears improved to 24-17 for the season, while the Cowgirls fell to 27-23. The all-time series is now tied, with both teams having one victory.

Notes: Today's victory ties the program record for wins in a season at 24. This record was set last season when the Bears finished 24-24. Additionally, Maddie Robinson's victory marks her 18th career win, breaking the all-time record previously held by Marley Olivier, who had 17 victories in the combined seasons of 2022 and 2023.

The Bears will face the winner of the NEO (Northeastern Oklahoma A&M) and the NOC Tonkawa game on Friday, May 9th, at 6:30 PM.

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