The Lady Crusaders wrapped up their regular season with a split against Mobile on Saturday. They lost the first game 4-3 in extra innings before winning the second 2-0.
In the opening game, Carey scored first in the top of the first inning. Liz Cross led off with a single and advanced on a passed ball and sacrifice bunt by Brooklynn Montana. Caroline Lindsey then hit a sacrifice fly to center, bringing Cross home for a 1-0 lead.
Mobile responded in the second inning, with Madeline Houk doubling to score Bethany Dean and tie the game. Houk added a second double in the fourth, scoring on Daryelin Rivas’ single to put Mobile ahead 2-1. The Lady Crusaders threatened in the middle innings but couldn’t capitalize.
Carey tied the game in the sixth, with Lindsey doubling and Albanie Fussell adding a single to set up a bunt by Kinley Hogue that forced a miscue, allowing Lindsey to score the tying run. Both teams remained scoreless through the seventh and eighth innings. Carey then put the Lady Crusaders ahead in the ninth with singles by Harper Dupré, Anna Grace Shows, and Cross, making it 3-2.
Mobile quickly responded, with Diana Arcay doubling to bring home the tying run. Lillie Lanham delivered a walk-off RBI single, completing the Rams’ comeback for a 4-3 victory in extra innings.
In the second game, Carey was dominant early. Cross led off with a single, Montana sacrificed, and Lindsey doubled, scoring the first run. Lindsey later scored on a passed ball, giving the Lady Crusaders a 2-0 lead. Carey kept pressure on Mobile throughout the game, with multiple hits from Cross, Fussell, and Dupré.
Mobile threatened in the second inning, but starting pitcher Ryanne Hornsby induced a groundout to escape. Carey’s defense held in the middle innings, stranding runners to preserve the shutout. Despite opportunities in the seventh, Mobile could not score, and Carey’s team secured the 2-0 win.
The Lady Crusaders now prepare for the SSAC Conference Tournament, scheduled for April 30 to May 2 at Wilson Morgan Softball Complex in Decatur, Alabama.
