Lady Bisons softball team brings strong offense to chilly ‘Battle’ with Belmont

The Lady Bisons softball team came out swinging on a cold Thursday afternoon against down-the-street rival Belmont, posting a 13-0 victory at Rose Park. Junior right fielder Gracey Aguirre, senior shortstop Bridgette Begle and freshman second baseman Mimi Cartwright scored two runs apiece during the season’s Battle of the Boulevard. The win over the Bruins puts the Lady Bisons at 13-2. Aguirre said that scoring quickly is a big help. “I think we just need to continue hitting, because that’s what’s helping us out in the games,” Aguirre said. “We’re scoring early in the game, and we’re not letting down our guard.” After a one-run first inning, Lipscomb scored four runs in the third and six runs in the sixth. Senior catcher/infielder Rena’ Cothron went three-for-four with three RBIs. Aguirre and junior infielder Paige Neely each had a triple. Belmont (5-7) stranded eight baserunners against sophomore Tanner Sanders (5-1). The Lady Bisons begin their Atlantic Sun schedule this weekend in far-warmer Jacksonville against North Florida (14-3). “We just need to be aggressive and attack,” Aguirre said. “[North Florida is] known to have really good pitchers, so we just need to be ready, stay focused and continue hitting.” After the day’s original schedule was changed, another game between the two teams will be scheduled.  File photo courtesy of Lipscomb...

Lady Bisons softball team within reach of top 25 recognition through early season play

Top 25 is in reach for the Lady Bisons softball team as they moved up to No. 28 in the ESPN.COM/USA softball ranking.  With the season just two weeks under way, the Lady Bisons have made their presence known with wins from Virginia Tech, Butler, Iowa, Drake, UAB and No. 15 Baylor. “It’s exciting to be ranked, and it honestly only motivates us that much more to continue to be the best,” senior catcher Rena’ Cothron said. Lipscomb found huge success when they traveled to Waco, Texas this past weekend to play in the Getterman Classic. Against Baylor, the Bisons won 1-0, which bumped the Bears from 14 down to 15. “So far, I think the season has gone great. 8-1 is a great start to a season, but it’s just that, a start,” Cothron said. “Every game we have won so far has been a complete team win. We just have to keep playing our game and take it one day at a time.” Junior Brianne Welch, junior Paige Neely (recently named Atlantic Sun Player of the Week) and sophomore Tanner Sanders made the Getterman Classic All-Tournament team. Welch found success during the tournament, as she had her first career home run against Iowa. “It feels pretty awesome being top 28,” Welch said. “It’s a great feeling to get recognition for the hard work we’ve put in.” Welch had a two run bomb against Iowa, but it was Sanders who was the winning pitcher. She was named A-Sun Pitcher of the Week for her performance in Texas. Junior Gracey Aguirre, who plays right field for the Lady Bisons,...
Lady Bisons softball team spends Saturday volunteering with local kids

Lady Bisons softball team spends Saturday volunteering with local kids

The Lady Bisons softball team volunteered to work with the Boys and Girls Club at their annual fall picnic Saturday. This was the first year the softball team has worked with the Boys and Girls Club. The team assisted with a variety of activities including arts and crafts, face painting, hula hooping, kick ball and many other outdoor games. “We wanted to do something different this year,” said Head Coach Kristen Ryman. “We wanted to work with a different organization.” Ryman said the Boys and Girls Club is a great organization, especially since it gives older people the opportunity to mentor a younger generation. “It makes you realize there are people out there that are always looking up to people like us,” Ryman said. The girls on the team said they had a great time being around the kids and getting to play games with them. “It was good to just be a kid for a day ourselves and, at the same time, do something for them,” said junior Bridgette Begle. Begle and several other girls said they enjoyed face painting with the kids. Sophomore Gracey Aguirre was the celebrity of the day, doing the majority of the face painting. “My favorite painting was this little shark I did for this little kid,” Aguirre said.  “He was having a blast with it, and I truly enjoyed it all.” Several team members said it was easy to connect with the kids by playing games with them. “I loved working with one little boy who loved to hula hoop,” said junior Kristen Sturdivant. “It was really fun getting to hang out with...