Cardinals Go 2-2 At Northeast Mississippi
The MAC softball team recently traveled to Northeast Mississippi CC in Booneville, MS to participate in the Coach David Carnell Challenge. The Cardinals went 2-2, picking up two wins over Shawnee CC and falling to Northeast Mississippi CC and Des Moines CC.
February 28, 2025 - Mineral Area College vs. Northeast Mississippi Community College
Final Score: Mineral Area College 1, Northeast Mississippi Community College 17
In the opening game of the series, the Mineral Area Cardinals struggled against the undefeated Northeast Mississippi Tigers, suffering a 17-1 defeat. Northeast Mississippi exploded early, scoring 3 runs in the first and 9 more in the second to build an insurmountable lead. The Cardinals managed just five hits throughout the game, with Ava Spalding driving in the lone run in the second inning.
Stat Leaders:
- Ava Spalding: 2 AB, 1 RBI, 1 hit
- Emily Hochstatter: 1-1, 1 BB
- Gracie Wright: 2-5, 1 hit, 1 RBI
On the mound, Sarah Hoshaw took the loss, giving up 11 earned runs over 1.1 innings, while Keri Williams allowed 6 runs in 2.2 innings of relief.
February 28, 2025 - Mineral Area College vs. Shawnee CC
Final Score: Mineral Area College 13, Shawnee CC 6
The Mineral Area Cardinals cruised to a 13-6 victory over Shawnee Community College in a dominant offensive performance in game two. The game saw the Cardinals explode for 18 hits, led by several standout players who contributed to the team's high-scoring outing.
Stat Leaders:
- Gracie Wright: 4/5, 5 RBI
- Emily Hochstatter – 2/3, 3 RBI
- Ainsley Burnett – 4/4 2 RBI
- Sophie Meyer – 2 RBI
- A'kiayah Scales – 1/3, RBI
Pitching Performance:
- Emma Mulholland earned the win for Mineral Area, pitching 6.2 innings and allowing 7 runs (4 earned) on 9 hits. She struck out 3 batters and walked 1.
- Sarah Hoshaw came in for the final out, helping to close out the game without allowing any additional runs.
March 1, 2025 - Des Moines Area Community College vs. Mineral Area College
Final Score: Des Moines Area Community College 8, Mineral Area College 0
In a tough outing, the Mineral Area Cardinals were shut out by Des Moines Area Community College, 8-0. The Cardinals were held to no hits and struck out 13 times as Des Moines' pitcher, Kierra Jungers, dominated throughout the game. The Cardinals' best chance came in the 1st inning when they left two runners on base, but that was as close as they came to scoring.
On the mound for the Cardinals, Emma Mulholland started and went 5 innings, allowing 6 runs on 7 hits. Libby Mesch pitched 1 inning in relief, surrendering 2 runs.
March 1, 2025 - Shawnee Community College vs. Mineral Area College
Final Score: Mineral Area College 8, Shawnee Community College 4
The Cardinals bounced back in game two of the doubleheader, earning an 8-4 victory over Shawnee CC. After trailing 3-2 going into the fifth inning, Mineral Area erupted for 4 runs in the fifth and 2 more in the sixth to seal the win. Gracie Wright was a key contributor at the plate, driving in 2 RBIs with a single in the fifth inning. Ava Spalding also had a strong performance, going 1-for-3 with 2 stolen bases.
Stat Leaders:
- Ava Spalding: 3 AB, 2 runs, 1 hit, 1 RBI
- Emily Hochstatter: 4 AB, 2 RBIs, 2 hits
- Gracie Wright: 4 AB, 1 run, 2 RBIs
On the mound, Keri Williams earned the win, tossing 5 innings, giving up 4 runs on 4 hits, while striking out 4. Emma Mulholland closed the game with 2 innings of relief, allowing just 1 run and striking out 2.
The 8-4 Cardinals return to action on Wednesday, March 5 when they host Lewis and Clark CC for a double-header starting at 2pm.