Hattiesburg, Ms | #23 ranked Truett McConnell (40-15 overall) matched up against #19 ranked William Carey (37-14 overall) in the Opening Round of the 2018 NAIA Softball National Championship in the Hattiesburg Bracket.

AAC Co-Pitcher of the Year Karley Hobbs started on the mound for the Lady Bears in her first career appearance at the national tournament.

The 1st inning was a quiet beginning for both sides, as neither side was able to get a hit.

William Carey began the 2nd inning with some momentum, hitting three base hits in row to load the bases with one out. A sacrifice-fly allowed the runner on third base to score for William Carey as they took the lead.

In the top of 4th, William Carey added a run to their total with an RBI sacrifice-fly for a 1-0 lead.

The top of 5th inning proved to be a big inning for William Carey, as they extended their lead to 5-0 with three runs in the inning.

Bethany Hyde would get the call out of the bullpen for the Lady Bears in the 5th inning, after William Carey's third run in the top of the 5th.

The Lady Bears could not respond to William Carey, as they dropped their first game in the Opening Round of the 2018 NAIA Softball National Championship 5-0.

Truett McConnell will move to the loser's bracket, and they will play the loser of the second game of the day between Talladega College (18-20 overall) and Indiana Wesleyan (54-9 overall) tomorrow at 2 p.m. EST. The Lady Bears have not played against Indiana Wesleyan this year, but they played Talladega College twice this year on the road, taking both games of the series by scores of 8-0 and 2-1. Live stream and live stats will be available.
 
 
Tournament Links:

Watch Live: CLICK HERE
Live Stats: CLICK HERE
Opening Round Schedule and Results: CLICK HERE