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Cumberland University

Avery Rauscher
2
Bethel (TN) BU 12-32
6
Winner Cumberland (TN) CU 17-23
Bethel (TN) BU
12-32
2
Final
6
Cumberland (TN) CU
17-23
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Bethel (TN) BU 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 1
Cumberland (TN) CU 1 0 0 0 0 5 X 6 9 1

W: Rauscher, Avery (11-9) L: Kinsley Caruthers (2-8)

Next Game:

vs. Campbellsville University (Ky.)

4/30/2026 | 1:30 PM

Next Game

Full Schedule
Apr. 30 (Thu) / 1:30 PM
vs. Campbellsville University (Ky.)
History

Game Recap: Softball |

Rauscher and Donato Help Deliver Play-In Victory Over Bethel

COLUMBIA, Ky. - - The Cumberland softball team headed to Kentucky for the first game of the Mid-South Conference tournament and with the season on the line, it was Freshman of the Year Avery Rauscher who delivered a two-run complete game as the Phoenix took down Bethel, 6-2.

Rauscher had the fifth lowest ERA in conference going into the tournament and she was dealing in this game, striking out seven allowing just two runs. The Phoenix gave her run support in the bottom of the first, all with two outs.

Elly Castle hit a flare into shallow left field for a single and made her way over to second on a passed ball, before First Team All-Conference Abby Chappell stepped up to the plate. The Phoenix shortstop worked a full count and with a runner in scoring position, sent a run-scoring double over the centerfielder's head.

That 1-0 lead held firm for much of the game with Cumberland and Bethel both leaving runners stranded, though Rauscher would continue in the game while the Wildcats brought in relief.

Cumberland needed run support in a big way for their final defensive frame and they delivered in a big way in the bottom of the sixth. Kennedy Scott started off a train of four straight singles, though it was Hailey Donato that got all of the plaudit.

The sophomore had led the team in home runs for most of the season and with the bases loaded and a two-run lead, Donato sent a shot over the fence in the deepest part of left field to make it 6-0 with a bases-clearing grand slam. Rauscher came into the game for her final three outs, with the most run support she has had all day, she again pulled through.

Bethel did look to pull a rabbit out of their hat with a comeback bid in the top of the seventh inning, but two runs were not enough to overcome the deficit and it was the Phoenix who put themselves into the tournament with a 6-2 win.

Cumberland will now compete in the full double-elimination tournament, facing off against No.3-seed Campbellsville University tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 p.m. CT.
 
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Players Mentioned

Abby Chappell

#1 Abby Chappell

C/UT
5' 5"
Senior
Hailey Donato

#6 Hailey Donato

OF
5' 2"
Sophomore
Elly Castle

#13 Elly Castle

IF
5' 6"
Junior
Avery Rauscher

#28 Avery Rauscher

RHP
5' 4"
Freshman
Kennedy Scott

#8 Kennedy Scott

OF
5' 4"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Abby Chappell

#1 Abby Chappell

5' 5"
Senior
C/UT
Hailey Donato

#6 Hailey Donato

5' 2"
Sophomore
OF
Elly Castle

#13 Elly Castle

5' 6"
Junior
IF
Avery Rauscher

#28 Avery Rauscher

5' 4"
Freshman
RHP
Kennedy Scott

#8 Kennedy Scott

5' 4"
Freshman
OF