On Sunday, March 29, 2026, the Spalding University softball team secured a decisive doubleheader sweep over the Blackburn College Beavers at Legacy Fields. The Golden Eagles combined dominant pitching with timely hitting to take both games and improve their season standing.

Game 1: Spalding 6, Blackburn 0

Spalding set the tone early in the opener, riding a masterful performance from Riley Wilkins in the circle and a balanced offensive attack.

• Dominance in the Circle: Riley Wilkins (W, 3-4) was the story of the game, pitching a complete-game shutout. She allowed just four hits and two walks while striking out three over 7.0 innings.

• Offensive Highlights:

  • Kaleigh Franklin-Brooks got the scoring started in the 1st inning with an RBI single to center field, driving in Braeanna Billups.

  • Bianca Ward delivered a spark in the 3rd inning with an RBI triple to right-center, scoring Morgan Gambrell.

  • Riley Wilkins helped her own cause with an RBI single in the 2nd inning.

  • Carsyn Sidebottom was a menace on the basepaths, scoring twice and swiping two stolen bases.

• Key Stats: Bianca Ward: 1-for-2, 1 RBI, 1 Run, 1 3B, 1 BB

  • Riley Wilkins: 1-for-3, 1 RBI (Pitching: 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 SO)

  • Carsyn Sidebottom: 1-for-4, 2 Runs, 2 SB

Game 2: Spalding 4, Blackburn 1

The Golden Eagles completed the sweep with a 4-1 victory in the nightcap, utilizing effective "small ball" and a strong two-pitcher effort to keep the Beavers at bay.

• Pitching Duo: Kaylee Fitzner (W, 2-3) earned the win, tossing 5.0 solid innings and allowing only one run on two hits. Tatum Riddiough came on in relief to earn the save (S, 1), shuting the door with 2.0 scoreless innings.

• Execution at the Plate:

  • In the 2nd inning, Emma Eaton perfectly executed a sacrifice bunt to drive in Kaitlyn Cravens for the game's first run.

  • Braeanna Billups padded the lead in the 3rd with an RBI single that brought home Carsyn Sidebottom.

  • Kaleigh Franklin-Brooks added an insurance run in the 5th with a sacrifice fly, while Sidebottom showcased her speed again by scoring on a passed ball later that inning.

• Key Stats:

  • Riley Wilkins: 2-for-2, 1 Run (Finished the day 3-for-5 total)

  • Bianca Ward: 2-for-3 (Finished the day 3-for-5 total)

  • Braeanna Billups: 1-for-2, 1 RBI

  • Morgan Gambrell: 1-for-3, 1 2B