Bethel Christian Academy Trojans Roll Past Arendell Parrott Academy Patriots, 19-7, on Friday Night
Bethel Christian Academy Trojans Roll Past Arendell Parrott Academy Patriots, 19-7, on Friday Night
KINSTON, N.C. – In a commanding display of offensive firepower, the Bethel Christian Academy Trojans defeated the Arendell Parrott Academy Patriots, 19-7, in a high-scoring softball showdown on Friday night. The Trojans capitalized on a huge second inning, scoring seven runs and never looking back to improve their season record to 4-2. Meanwhile, the Patriots dropped to 1-5 after struggling to contain Bethel’s potent lineup.
The game started with early fireworks as the Trojans took a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. But the Patriots answered in the bottom half, scoring three runs to take a brief 3-1 lead. The highlight came from Callie Sanderson, who crushed a two-run homer to give her team the edge. Sydney Myers added a double and later scored on an error, but that would be the peak of Parrott’s offense for the night.
Bethel seized full control in the second inning with an explosive seven-run rally, stretching their lead to 8-3. The Trojans continued to pour it on throughout the game, eventually building a commanding 19-7 advantage by the end of the seventh.
The offensive surge was fueled by standout performances across the lineup. Lillie Turner had a stellar night at the plate, going 4-for-4 with three singles, a double, two RBIs, and a walk. Emersyn Smith also stayed hot, tallying three hits and driving in four RBIs. Avery Cash contributed with a hit and three RBIs, while Allison Turnage added two hits and two RBIs to the Trojans’ scoring efforts.
In the circle, Suzanne Rouse provided a steady presence for Bethel. She pitched all seven innings to earn the win, allowing six hits and seven runs (three earned) while striking out five and issuing no walks. Rouse credited her control and defense for the performance.
“I think I was hitting my spots and getting them to swing at the go-get-’em pitches,” Rouse said. “I had a pretty good infield behind me tonight.”
For the Patriots, it was a mixed effort at the plate. Sanderson finished with a hit and two RBIs on her home run, while Myers added a double, a triple, and one RBI. Despite the efforts from Sanderson and Myers, Parrott struggled to find consistent production throughout the lineup. Claire Mixon took the loss in the circle, allowing 17 hits and 19 runs (14 earned), striking out eight but walking eight as well.
Despite the lopsided score, the Patriots showed flashes of potential in the early innings.
Bethel head coach Ashley Stroud was pleased with how his team responded after a shaky start.
“The first inning was a little shaky for us, but the bottom of the lineup stepped up in the second inning, got on base, and the top of the lineup kept the momentum going,” Stroud said. “We hit the ball all over the place tonight, and I’m just proud of their plate appearances. Swinging at strikes—that’s what we’ve been working on the last week or so. Seeing that come to life on the field is always encouraging. I’m really proud of them.”
Turner, one of the night’s standout players, echoed her coach’s message.
“I just went into the game with a good mindset on hitting the ball, and it showed,” Turner said.
Looking Ahead
The Trojans will look to build on this win with two big home matchups next week. Bethel hosts Wilmington Christian on Tuesday and Wilson Christian on Thursday, aiming to avenge an earlier 6-1 loss.
Meanwhile, the Patriots face a tough stretch on the road with three away games next week: Fayetteville Christian on Monday, John Paul II on Wednesday, and Faith Christian on Thursday.
With their offensive firepower and solid pitching, the Trojans look poised to carry momentum into the heart of the season, while the Patriots will focus on finding consistency and growth in the weeks ahead.
