Lady Bears split with Xavier Gold Rush

Thursday, March 26, 2026: Softball

Baton Rouge, LA

The Baton Rouge Lady Bears stepped out of league play to take on the NAIA Gold Rush from Xavier University of Louisiana this afternoon at Hartley Vey Sports Complex-Oak Villa. The Lady Bears and the Gold Rush split the doubleheader, with BRCC winning game one 8-5 and XULA winning game two 7-1.

 Game One

A huge inning at the plate and solid pitching propelled the Lady Bears to an 8-5 victory in game one. Xavier got on the board first in the top of the second inning to take an early lead. The Lady Bears responded with five runs in the bottom of the second to take a 5-1 lead.

Lauren Landrum led off with a walk, followed by Kyla Ashford, who also drew a walk. Karley Chaney then hit a single, driving in Landrum for the Lady Bears' first run. Kinley Meche followed with an infield single, allowing Ashford to score. Addysen Thornton hit a sacrifice fly to plate Chaney from third. Miley Percle hit another infield single, scoring Meche, and Raievah Craddock capped the inning with a triple to center field that scored Percle for the Lady Bears' fifth run.

Xavier managed to score two runs in the top of the fifth to narrow the deficit to 5-3, but the Lady Bears added a run in the bottom of the inning, making it 6-3. Kinley Meche hit a triple to right field, bringing Karley Chaney home.

The Gold Rush did not give up easily, plating two more runs in the top of the sixth to pull within one at 6-5. The Lady Bears responded with two insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth. Miley Percle drew a walk and scored on another triple by Raievach Craddock, this time to left field. Lauren Landrum added a sacrifice fly that brought Craddock home.

Lady Bears pitcher Madelyn Nolen retired the Gold Rush in order in the top of the seventh to secure the 8-5 victory. Nolen pitched all seven innings, allowing five runs on nine hits while walking two and striking out one. Former Lady Bear Essynce Wallace started for the Gold Rush and took the loss, pitching four innings and allowing five runs on eight hits while walking three and striking out one. Bella pitched in relief for the Gold Rush.

Baton Rouge out-hit Xavier 10 to 9, and the Gold Rush committed three errors in the game.

Lady Bears  Highlights

- Miley Percle: 2 for 2 with 2 runs, 1 RBI, and 2 walks

- Raievah Craddock: 3 for 4 with 1 run and 2 RBIs

- Lindsey Hudson: 1 for 4

- Lauren Landrum: 1 RBI, 1 walk, and 1 run

- Lanie Eschette: 1 for 4 

- Kyla Ashford: 2 walks and 1 run

- Karley Chaney: 1 for 3 with 2 runs

- Kinley Meche: 2 for 3 with 1 run and 2 RBIs

- Addysen Thornton: 1 RBI

Game Two

In the second game of the doubleheader, the Gold Rush used a big inning to defeat the Lady Bears 7-1. For the first three innings, it was a pitching duel between the two teams. However, the Gold Rush broke things open in the top of the fourth inning, scoring six runs to take a 6-0 lead. The Lady Bears scratched back with a run in the bottom of the fourth when Lindsey Hudson led off with a single and scored on a Karley Chaney single followed by a Gold Rush fielding error.

The Gold Rush added another run in the top of the sixth, increasing their lead to 7-1. The Lady Bears struggled offensively throughout the game, finding it difficult to get timely hits, ultimately losing 7-1.

Abbey Borel started in the circle for the Lady Bears and took the loss, pitching seven innings and allowing seven runs (six earned) on six hits, while walking three and striking out eleven. M. Malveaux started for the Gold Rush and earned the win, pitching four innings and allowing one run on four hits while walking two and striking out five.

Xavier outhit Baton Rouge 6 to 4, with the Gold Rush committing two errors compared to one for the Lady Bears.

Lady Bears Highlights:

- Miley Percle: 1 for 3

- Raievah Craddock: 1 for 3

- Lindsey Hudson: 1 for 3 with 1 run

- Kyla Ashford: 1 walk

- Karley Chaney: 1 for 3

With the split, the Lady Bears improved to 12-23 on the season, while the Gold Rush improved to 5-21. The all-time series is even at one win each for both teams.

Next Up:

The Lady Bears will travel to Houston, Texas, on Saturday, March 28, to take on the San Jacinto College Ravens in a doubleheader starting at 3 PM.

Follow Us:

For more information about the Lady Bears softball team, follow us on Twitter (@brcc_softball) or on Facebook and Instagram (@brcc_ladybearssoftball).