MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It was a milestone day for Mississippi College softball, as the program not only swept Christian Brothers University in Thursday's doubleheader but also celebrated its 1,000th all-time victory — a historic achievement that came in emphatic fashion during the second game, a 14–2 rout at Nadicksbernd Field.
With the sweep, Mississippi College improved to 23–14–1 overall and 13–7 in Gulf South Conference play, while Christian Brothers dropped to 7–26–1 (2–18 GSC).
Game One: Samples and Gill Spark Six-Run Comeback
The Choctaws found themselves trailing 3–0 through five innings, but a six-run explosion in the sixth flipped the game in dramatic fashion. Shelby Samples launched a grand slam to punctuate the rally, and Blakely Gill followed with a solo blast to put MC on top 6–5. They never looked back, adding two more runs in the seventh to secure the 8–5 win.
Grace Wallis turned in a steady start, tossing 3 2/3 innings and allowing two earned runs before turning it over to AK Willingham and Reagan Rios, who closed the door. Rios earned the victory, improving to 7–4, with 2 2/3 innings of relief and three strikeouts.
Offensively, Samples led the way with three hits and four RBIs, while Gill added three hits, two runs scored, and a homer as Mississippi College's bats came alive late.
Game Two: Choctaws Make History with 1,000th Win
The nightcap belonged entirely to the Choctaws — and to history. With a 14–2 victory, Mississippi College claimed the program's 1,000th win, a milestone that reflects decades of sustained excellence and championship-caliber tradition.
Led by a relentless lineup and dominant pitching from Camryn Bailey, who earned a complete-game victory with six strikeouts and just two runs allowed, the Choctaws erupted for 13 hits and a seven-run sixth inning to seal the celebration.
Morgan Lavergne set the tone from the top of the order with three hits, a double, and three runs scored. Power came from Sarah Lee and Kate Rills, each of whom homered in the sixth-inning outburst, while Ellie Fryar added a triple and scored twice. Every part of the lineup contributed as the Choctaws turned their historic moment into a highlight-reel performance.
The 1,000th win stands as a testament to the program's long-standing standard of excellence — built by years of hard work from players, coaches, and alumni who have carried the Choctaw tradition across generations.
Looking Ahead
Mississippi College will aim to complete the series sweep when the Choctaws and Buccaneers return to the diamond for Game 3 on Friday at 12 p.m. in Memphis, Tenn.
