Roughriders Earn State Fair Sweep, Fall Short in Road Doubleheader
Crowder College softball wrapped up a busy week with a dominant home doubleheader sweep of State Fair Community College before dropping a hard-fought road doubleheader at St. Charles Community College.
March 24 – vs. State Fair Community College
Game 1: Crowder 9, State Fair 0 (5 innings)
Crowder set the tone early with an explosive second inning and cruised to a five-inning shutout. The Roughriders plated eight runs across the first two innings, taking advantage of patient at-bats and aggressive baserunning.
Josie Henson led the offense, going 3-for-3 with two runs scored, while Madelief Croonen drove in two runs and added a hit. Crowder drew six walks and swiped multiple bases to pressure the defense.
In the circle, Olivia Hemme was dominant, retiring 11 State Fair hitters on strikeouts over 4.2 innings and allowing no hits. Crowder finished the game with six hits and six RBIs, while holding State Fair hitless.
Game 2: Crowder 12, State Fair 4
Crowder completed the sweep behind a balanced offensive effort and a decisive five-run swing over the final two innings.
Callie Cooper fueled the lineup, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs, while Evelyn Comstock and Layla Pasley each drove in three runs. Crowder racked up 14 total hits, including five doubles, and capitalized on State Fair defensive miscues.
Hemme again anchored the pitching staff, tossing 4.1 innings in relief and allowing just one unearned run while striking out seven. Crowder pulled away late with a four-run fifth inning to seal the win.
March 28 – at St. Charles Community College
Game 1: St. Charles 9, Crowder 8
Crowder battled back from early deficits and surged ahead late but could not withstand a walk-off rally in the bottom of the seventh.
The Roughriders scored eight unanswered runs between the fourth and sixth innings, highlighted by RBIs from Josie Henson, Callie Cooper, and Evelyn Comstock. Crowder collected 11 hits, but defensive struggles — six errors — proved costly.
St. Charles plated four runs in the final frame to secure the comeback victory, despite Crowder’s strong midgame momentum.
Game 2: St. Charles 8, Crowder 1
In the nightcap, Crowder was limited to one run despite out-hitting St. Charles. Layla Pasley went 3-for-3 with Crowder’s lone RBI, and the Roughriders finished with nine hits.
St. Charles struck early and added insurance runs in the fourth and sixth innings to pull away. Crowder struggled defensively again, committing three errors, which contributed to unearned runs.
Week at a Glance
- Record: 2–2
- Runs Scored: 30
- Key Performers:
- Josie Henson: Consistent table-setter with multiple multi-hit games and stolen bases
- Callie Cooper: 6 RBIs on the week, strong extra-base production
- Olivia Hemme: Standout arm of the week, combined 14 strikeouts, two wins
- Team Strengths: Offensive depth, extra-base hitting, pitching strikeouts
- Areas to Improve: Defensive consistency, late-inning execution on the road
Crowder showed its offensive firepower and resilience throughout the week and will look to tighten up defensively as conference play continues.