(March 24, 2024) Mena, Arkansas - Coming off a split with Carl Albert last Saturday, the ladies had spring break off of games and returned to Cummings-Cecil Field this afternoon against National Park College. The Bucks entered the doubleheader at 16-9 overall on the year and 5-1 in region play. Earlier this season, the Bucks were ranked 13th in NJCAA DII and are now receiving votes in the rankings. 

Game One

The first game was all McKenna Bittle (Greer's Ferry, AR) in the circle. The William's Baptist signee pitched a complete game with 10 strikeouts. Her only blemish on the day came in the top of the fifth inning, giving up an unearned run. She gave up 6 hits and pitched herself out of multiple jams on the day. Bittle (9-3) picked up her nineth win of the season.

Offensively, the Bucks bats came alive in the bottom of the fourth inning. With 1 out and runners on the corner, Madie Rohre (Whitewright, TX) hit a RBI single that hit off the first basemen's glove to plate the first run of the game. After an out and a single, JJ Bass (Joaquin, TX) hit a 2 RBI line drive to centerfield. Another single loaded the bases for Emma Reynolds (Cayuga, TX). The left handed hitter cleared the bases on a 3-RBI triple to right field to make it a 6-run bottom of the fourth.

The ladies held on and picked up the 6-1 win to lead off the day. 

Game Two

The second game of the day was the exact opposite of the first. The Nighthawks jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after two innings, and then scored 9 more runs in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings to run-rule the Bucks, 11-3 in six innings.

Offensively, the Bucks only runs came in the bottom of the fifth inning. JJ Bass reached on an error with 1 out and a pair of runners on bases to plate the first run. Next at-bat, Bri Crowley (Rogers, AR) grounded out and scored the second run of the inning. The third run came after a hit-by-pitch, and Emma Reynolds hit a RBI single to left field. 

The Bucks used three pitchers in the contest. Kamryn Uher (Prairie Grove, AR) got the start and lasted 3.0 innings, giving up 4 runs on 4 hits. Uher (5-4) struck out 1 and walked a pair in the loss.

The ladies now turn their attention to #5 Murray State College on Thursday in Tishomingo. 

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