Carolina University Bruins Softball hosted Paine College in a doubleheader on April 15, splitting the games in a rematch of last season’s South Regional Semifinal. The first game saw Paine College secure a 5-3 win in extra innings, while Carolina responded with a strong performance to win the second game.
The matchup held significance as it followed nearly one year after Paine’s 12-inning victory over Carolina in May 2025. Both teams are part of the NCCAA South Region and used this meeting to gauge their progress since their last postseason encounter.
In the opening game, Carolina took an early lead but was hampered by defensive errors that allowed Paine to tie and eventually win the contest in extra innings. Anni Bergmeier pitched all eight innings for Carolina, giving up nine hits and five runs—only one of which was earned—and striking out two batters. In Game Two, Carolina overcame an early deficit with a decisive fourth inning and continued to build momentum throughout the rest of the match. Madison Hamilton pitched a complete game and contributed offensively by scoring twice.
Interim Head Coach Danielle Brooks said, “I’m proud of how our group responded after a tough extra-inning loss. We showed grit, made adjustments at the plate, and competed the way Carolina softball is capable of. Splitting against a strong regional opponent like Paine is a step forward for us.”
The Bruins participate in both conference and non-conference games during their season according to the official website. The team competes under Carolina University’s athletics program according to the official website and assists student-athletes with balancing academic responsibilities alongside athletic commitments according to the official website. They function within NCAA Division III as members of the Ohio Athletic Conference according to the official website and operate from Bexley, Ohio according to the official website.
Looking ahead, Carolina aims to build on its Game Two success as it prepares for another doubleheader against Milligan University scheduled for Saturday.
