DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Mississippi College (4-4) faced two opponents at ERAU SB Field, starting with a tough 10-0 loss to Southern Wesleyan (1-0) followed by a bounce-back 6-4 victory over Embry-Riddle University (Fla.) (0-3).
In the first game against Southern Wesleyan, the Choctaws managed just two hits and were hindered by four defensive errors. Mississippi College opened the first inning by reaching base twice, but Southern Wesleyan's defense held firm, preventing any runs. In the bottom half, Southern Wesleyan took an early lead with a two-run double by O. Haag, followed by an RBI double from M. Ware, making it 3-0 after one inning. The second inning saw MC manage a walk but unable to capitalize, as Southern Wesleyan extended their lead significantly with R. Brown scoring on an error, followed by a grand slam from O. Haag, pushing the score to 8-0.
Shelby Samples provided a highlight in the third inning with a triple for The Blue and Gold, but the team was unable to bring him home. Southern Wesleyan added two more runs, widening the gap to 10-0 by the end of the third inning. Mississippi College looked to respond in the fourth inning but faced a quick three outs, while Southern Wesleyan was held scoreless in their half, marking the first inning without a run since the start of the game. In the fifth inning, Samples doubled, offering a scoring chance for the Choctaws, yet the team could not convert, concluding the game with Southern Wesleyan securing a 10-0 victory.
Regan Rios started the game for MC, pitching 1 1/3 innings and allowing six earned runs on five hits, including one home run, while striking out two batters and walking three.
AK Willingham took over in relief, pitching 2 2/3 innings and giving up one earned run on two hits, while also striking out two and walking two. Rios struggled with a high WHIP of 7.27, while Willingham managed to lower the damage with an effective outing, recording a WHIP of 1.82. Samples recorded two hits, including a double and a triple, while also stealing a base.
Madelyn England drew two walks during her plate appearances, contributing to her team's on-base efforts.Â
In the second game against Embry-Riddle, Mississippi College capitalized on Embry-Riddle's four errors and hit two home runs to secure the win. The Choctaws began the game with
Ellie Fryar singling to left field and later scoring on Samples' sacrifice bunt, taking an early 1–0 lead. However, Embry-Riddle responded with two runs in the bottom of the first, including an RBI double from E. Wood, ending the inning ahead 2–1. In the second inning, B. Gill tied the game with a solo home run to left center, and E. Fryar added a two-run homer, driving in
Gaddy Utsey, giving MC a 4–2 advantage. The Choctaws held Embry-Riddle scoreless in the bottom half, preserving their lead. Embry-Riddle tied the game in the third inning with a two-run double by S. Morse, but The Blue and Gold regained control in the fourth inning when Utsey scored on a fielding error, putting MC back on top, 5–4. The Choctaws' defense held strong in the fifth and sixth innings, preventing Embry-Riddle from scoring. MC added an insurance run in the seventh when
Hadley Lemons, pinch-hitting, delivered an RBI single to score
Kate Rills, making it 6–4.
Cam Bailey pitched a complete game for MC, throwing 7 innings and allowing 7 hits with 4 earned runs. Bailey recorded 6 strikeouts while issuing 3 walks over 120 pitches, 79 of which were strikes, maintaining a WHIP of 1.43 and improving their season record to 4-0. Fryar recorded three hits, including a home run, and drove in two runs.
Blakely Gill contributed with a home run, scoring once and adding another run batted in. Rills added two hits, one of which was a double, and scored once.Â
Mississippi College holds an overall record of 4-4, while Southern Wesleyan stands at 1-0 and Embry-Riddle has an overall record of 0-3. In their next game, MC will head to Daytona Beach, Florida, to face another opponent.
