Comets Claim Doubleheader Over Pioneers in 2026 Season Finale

Comets Claim Doubleheader Over Pioneers in 2026 Season Finale- Wil Teague, Sports Information Director, 4/24/26

Crowley's Ridge Softball concluded its 2025-26 season, hosting the Comets of Cottey College this afternoon at Pioneer Park in an American Midwest Conference matchup. At the end of both contests, the Comets would rise victorious, defeating the Pioneers 14-4 in game one and 6-1 in game two. 

Game One: (5-innings)

Crowley's Ridge- 4

Cottey College- 14

Paragould, AR – In the day's opening game, it was all Cottey College as the conference's home run leader showcased its power, launching six homers en route to a run-rule victory over CRC.

The Pioneer offense came alive in the bottom of the fourth, scoring all four of its runs on four hits. Sophomore Aimee Buckley drove in the first run with a sacrifice fly to left, bringing home freshman Carrie Anna Davis. Junior Hailey Tarrants followed with a double down the line to score junior Jada Diaz, and sophomore Maddie Burris capped the rally with a two-RBI single to right, plating Tarrants and senior Lilly Wessel.

Unfortunately, that would be the only damage CRC could muster. Cottey added three more runs in the fifth before retiring the Pioneers in order in the bottom half to end the game early.

Lauren Jones took the loss, allowing eight runs on nine hits in her start in the circle.

Game Two: 

Crowley's Ridge- 1

Cottey College- 6

Paragould, AR – A rough start in game two proved costly for the Pioneers, as an error-plagued outing led to a 6-1 loss to Cottey College. The Comets capitalized on CRC's early miscues, turning extra opportunities into runs while limiting the Pioneer offense to just three hits.

Despite the early deficit, CRC battled through all seven innings. Cottey struck quickly, scoring four runs in the first and adding two more in the second to take a 6-0 lead. The Pioneers responded in the bottom of the second when freshman Faith Muntz (1-for-2) drove in their lone run with a single up the middle, scoring senior Lilly Wessel.

CRC settled in defensively from there, holding the Comets scoreless over the final five innings. However, Cottey matched that effort, keeping the Pioneers off the board the rest of the way.

Wessel led the offense, going 2-for-3 in the loss. Sophomore Aimee Buckley took the loss in the circle, allowing six runs (two earned) on 11 hits across seven innings.

With the final out recorded, the doubleheader officially concludes the 2025–26 Pioneer Softball season. The program extends its best wishes to graduating senior Lilly Wessel as she takes the next step. #GOPIONEERS

Photo Credit: Amy Glenn