BLUEFIELD, Va. — April 18, 2025 — It was a memorable afternoon the Bluefield University softball team honored its seniors and witnessed history in the making during a spirited doubleheader against Brenau University. The Rams celebrated Senior Day with heart, hustle, and a record-setting performance from standout pitcher Hallie Cox, who became Bluefield's all-time career strikeout leader in Game One.
The pregame ceremony paid tribute to the Rams' graduating seniors, recognizing their impact on and off the field. That emotional high carried straight into the action, where Hallie Cox made her mark in the history books. In the third inning of Game One, she recorded her fifth strikeout of the day, cementing her name atop Bluefield's all-time strikeout list. Her milestone moment energized the team and the fans, setting the tone for a competitive day of softball.
In the opener, Bluefield (12-25, 3-18 AAC) jumped out to a 6-2 lead thanks to a four-run third inning and a two-run fourth. Alexis McDuffie went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base, while Chara Wootten drove in two key runs during the rally. Cox battled through seven innings in the circle, striking out seven and keeping the Rams in the game against a hard-hitting Brenau lineup. Though Brenau rallied late to steal a 7-6 win, the Rams' effort and execution turned heads.
Game Two brought more of the same Bluefield fire. Wootten continued her stellar day, going 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. McDuffie added two more hits and scored twice. Delana Loflin laid down three sacrifice bunts to move runners, and pinch hitters Hannah Hayes and Kerstin Buchanan each delivered clutch hits off the bench.
The Rams rallied for three runs in the fifth inning and added another in the sixth to close the gap to one, but ultimately fell just short in a 6-5 nail-biter. Ali Glover started in the circle and held Brenau at bay before the bullpen stepped in to finish the job and give the offense a shot at a comeback.
While the results didn't land in the win column, the Rams' spirit, effort, and growth were impossible to miss. Friday's doubleheader was about more than just the game—it was about honoring the past, celebrating the present, and building the future of Bluefield softball.
