BROUSSARD, La. – Mississippi College softball split Saturday's games at the Mardi Gras Invitational, with a standout performance in the circle from Camryn Bailey and a power-packed outing at the plate from Blakely Gill.
In the opener, the Lady Choctaws (2-2) secured a 6-4 win over previously unbeaten Southern Arkansas (2-1). Bailey (2-0) was dominant in the circle, tossing a complete game with 12 strikeouts, no earned runs, and only six hits allowed. Mississippi College capitalized on early offense to hold on for the win, with Bailey's stellar performance leading the charge.
In the second game, Mississippi College faced Washburn, a 2024 NCAA Tournament team and a squad that finished 37-17 last season. Despite a strong fight, the Lady Choctaws fell 10-7 to the Ichabods (3-1). Freshman Blakely Gill had an impressive outing, going 3-for-3 at the plate, including two home runs—one of which was a grand slam in the sixth inning that cut Washburn's lead to 9-7. Gill's grand slam highlighted the Lady Choctaws' late rally, as they scored five runs in the sixth inning. She now boasts a .900 batting average and a 2.623 OPS early in the season.
The game saw both teams exchanging runs, with Washburn jumping out to a 5-1 lead after four innings. Mississippi College responded in the fifth and sixth innings, with Gill's timely hits helping keep them in the game. However, the Lady Choctaws were unable to close the gap, and Washburn held on for the win.
Gill's performance was one of the game's highlights, as she drove in five RBIs and scored twice. With two home runs in the game, she now has 10 RBIs and a 1.700 slugging percentage through four games this season.
AK Willingham made her collegiate debut in the circle for the Lady Choctaws in game two against Washburn. Coming in for relief, Willingham pitched 2.0 innings, allowing 1 hit and 1 earned run. She struck out 1 batter, faced 7 batters, and threw 23 pitches in her first appearance in the circle.
"We showed a lot of resilience today," head coach Leigh Streetman said. "Blakely had an incredible day, and Cam stepped up in big moments in the circle. This young team is growing with each game, and I'm excited to see them keep competing."
The Lady Choctaws will return to action on Sunday at the Mardi Gras Invitational against Texas A&M-Kingsville as they continue to build momentum in the early stages of the 2025 season.
