PIneville, La. — The William Carey softball team started its 2026 season with a commanding 14-0 run-rule win over Texas A&M–Victoria, highlighted by a no-hitter, before defeating LSU–Alexandria 8-7 in 10 innings, according to school officials.
Head Coach Wendy Hogue called the opener a positive start. “What a day. Our first game against a quality opponent was exactly what we needed to begin the year. Scoring 14 runs behind a no-hit performance from our pitcher made it a good day. Our defense was solid, and we had a great day at the plate,” she said.
The Lady Crusaders took an early lead in the first inning. After an error allowed Liz Cross to reach base, Albanie Fussell delivered a two-run single. Jayden Sawyer then added an RBI single to make it 3-0. Pitcher Ryanne Hornsby retired TAMUV in order in the bottom half to set the tone for her historic outing.
Carey extended its lead in the fourth inning. Cross tripled and scored on a Brooklyn Montana groundout. The fifth inning was the climax, with Fussell leading off with a single. The team then loaded the bases, and Harper Dupre cleared them with a three-run double. The Crusaders added more runs on singles from Cross, Montana, and Caroline Lindsey, as well as a two-run double by Kinley Hogue, pushing the lead to 14-0. Hornsby sealed the no-hitter and run-rule victory in the bottom of the inning.
Hogue praised her team after the first game. “In 26 years of coaching, I’ve never seen a grittier team win. Both teams refused to quit. We’re proud of our girls. Today was fun, and it was our honor to play for HIS glory,” she said.
The nightcap was a tense, extra-inning battle. Carey broke a scoreless tie in the third, with Montana walking and Lindsey doubling to drive in a run. Fussell homered in the fourth, and Lindsey added an RBI double in the fifth. LSUA responded with a run in the bottom half, and the game remained close through regulation. The Generals tied it 4-4 in the eighth, forcing extras.
In the 10th, Montana singled and stole second before Julia Shaw delivered a go-ahead single. Fussell added an RBI single to extend Carey’s lead to 8-6. LSUA scored once more in the bottom of the frame but could not complete the rally. Shaw struck out the final batter to end the game, according to school officials.
The Lady Crusaders will face Louisiana Christian at 10:10 a.m. and Texas A&M–San Antonio at 12:30 p.m. on the next day, officials said.
