Southwest Mississippi Softball moved up to No. 19 in the NJCAA Division II rankings after splitting a doubleheader against No. 13 Itawamba Community College on Saturday. The Lady Bears won the opener 12-6 before falling 8-3 in the second game, according to team officials.
In game one, Allie Ladnier pitched 6.2 innings, allowing five runs with four strikeouts. She also homered twice, driving in four RBIs. Tristan Allen led the offense with three hits, including her 13th homer of the season, breaking the Southwest single-season record. Allen also had five RBIs in the game.
Southwest trailed early after Itawamba opened with two home runs in the first inning. The Lady Bears responded with a solo shot from Ladnier and later took the lead with a five-run fifth inning. They added five more runs in the sixth to seal the victory. Corin Talbot, Alexis Dejean, and Allen each had three hits in the game.
Game two was more competitive, but Southwest couldn’t contain Itawamba’s offense. Bailey Kraft started on the mound, allowing one hit in three innings. Mary Claire Salley, Corin Talbot, and Allie Ladnier combined to pitch the final four innings. Allen contributed three RBIs with a double, but the Lady Bears fell 8-3.
Head coach Shea Johnson praised the team’s effort, noting their strong week against ranked opponents. “I thought Itawamba culminated a great week of softball for us. To come out 4-2 on the week playing two ranked teams, I thought the team played great all the way through,” Johnson said. “I’m proud of the fight. When you’re in this league and you’re playing perennial powerhouses like we have, it’s been a great week for Southwest softball. I’m super proud of my kids and coaches and the direction we’ve come.”
Following the successful week, Southwest improved to 22-6 overall and 9-3 in conference play. The Lady Bears are scheduled to host Hinds Community College on Tuesday, March 31.
