Phoenix Hit the Road for Key MSC Series at Bethel

LEBANON, Tenn. — The Cumberland Phoenix softball team heads back on the road this weekend for a Mid-South Conference series against Bethel University, with action set for Friday and Saturday in McKenzie, Tennessee.

The series will begin with a single game on Friday at 5:00 p.m. CT, followed by a doubleheader on Saturday with first pitches scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. at Lady Wildcat Park.

Cumberland enters the weekend with an 8-11 overall record and a 1-2 mark in conference play, coming off an impressive midweek doubleheader sweep over (RV) Georgia Gwinnett. The Phoenix showcased resilience in both contests, earning a 3-2 walk-off victory in nine innings in game one before rallying for a 6-5 comeback win in game two. Carrying that momentum, Cumberland will look to continue its strong play and climb the conference standings.

Offensively, the Phoenix are led by sophomore center fielder Hailey Donato, who enters the series with a team-best .319 batting average while also leading the team with two home runs and 12 RBIs. Third baseman Karley Daughrity has been a consistent presence at the top of the lineup, hitting .283 and leading the team with 17 hits. Shortstop Abby Chappell adds depth to the offense with a .276 average, eight RBIs, and a team-high two stolen bases.

In the circle, freshman right-hander Avery Rauscher has been a standout for the Phoenix. She enters the weekend with a 1.91 ERA, ranking third in the conference, along with 52 strikeouts, also third-best in the MSC. Rauscher holds a 5-4 record and is limiting opponents to a .228 batting average. Senior Madison Croxford provides additional experience, posting a 3.32 ERA over 31.2 innings while holding opponents to a .295 average.

Bethel enters the series with an 8-14 overall record and a 1-5 conference mark, currently riding a six-game losing streak after being swept last weekend by Freed-Hardeman.

The Wildcats are led offensively by senior infielder Riley Sharp, who is having an outstanding season with a .437 batting average, 31 hits, five home runs, and 20 RBIs — all team highs. Junior infielder Chanley Price is another key contributor, hitting .415 with 27 hits, four home runs, and 16 RBIs. Kalani Hernandez adds further production with a .317 average, two home runs, seven doubles, and 16 RBIs.

In the circle, senior Kinsley Caruthers carries a 2-4 record with an 8.08 ERA across 43.1 innings pitched, while also recording two complete games. Senior Amelia Sherrill has logged the most innings for Bethel with 72 and owns a 5-3 record with a 3.69 ERA, along with two complete games.

Historically, Cumberland holds a slight edge in the series, leading 28-23 across 51 meetings since 2007. The Phoenix have also controlled recent matchups, going 8-2 in the last 10 meetings against the Wildcats.

Cumberland will look to build on its recent success as it heads into an important conference weekend. Fans can follow the action via Hudl or live stats as the Phoenix take on Bethel at Lady Wildcat Park.

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Players Mentioned

#1 Abby Chappell: C/UT; 5' 5"; Senior

#2 Madison Croxford: RHP; 5' 5"; Senior

#21 Karley Daughrity: IF; 5' 9"; Senior

#6 Hailey Donato: OF; 5' 2"; Sophomore

#28 Avery Rauscher: OF; 5' 4"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#1 Abby Chappell
: 5' 5"; Senior
: C/UT

#2 Madison Croxford
: 5' 5"; Senior
: RHP

#21 Karley Daughrity
: 5' 9"; Senior
: IF

#6 Hailey Donato
: 5' 2"; Sophomore
: OF

#28 Avery Rauscher
: 5' 4"; Freshman
: OF