Rio Grande Sports Information
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - The University of Rio Grande opened its 2026 softball schedule on Friday, dropping a 4-1 decision to Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) University before rebounding with a mercy rule-shortened 10-2 rout of 4th-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College at the Grizzly Athletic Complex.
The win over Georgia Gwinnett featured a seven-run first inning uprising. Junior Nigella Reck (Covington, OH) drove in three runs in the frame with a two-run triple and a bases-loaded walk, while sophomore Emily Lane (Charlotte, NC) had a two-run single.
Senior Natalie Bates (Vandalia, OH) added a solo home run in the winning effort and freshman Macy Kise (Milford Center, OH) tacked on a run-scoring single.
Lane, Kise, sophomore Delana Landefeld (Williamsport, OH) , junior Kendyl Moss (Cincinnati, OH) and senior Meg McCallum (Belmont, Ontario, Canada) all had two hits in the victory. Kise finished with two runs batted in and one of Moss' hits was a double.
Kise also got the win in the pitcher's circle. She allowed four hits and two runs while walking two and fanning five.
Isabelle Teems started and lost for GGC, allowing six runs without recording an out.
Casey Beaver had two hits and Reesier Burch hit a two-run home run for the Grizzlies.
In the opening game against Lindsey Wilson, Rio jumped to a 1-0 first inning lead before watching the Blue Raiders score twice in both the fourth and fifth innings to get the win.
Bates had two hits and sophomore Lindzie Runions (Poca, WV) drove in a run for Rio.
McCallum started and took the loss, allowing six hits and all four runs over four-plus innings.
Hallie Roberts got the win for LWU, allowing six hits and a run over five innings. Kayden Murray worked a scoreless seventh for the save.
Emmerson McKinnis went 2-for-2 with a home run, while Kaiden Rodgers had two hits of her own, including a double, and Marissa Frolich drove in a pair of runs for the Blue Raiders.
Rio Grande will close out the weekend on Saturday with two more games. The RedStorm will tangle with Huntington (Ind.) University before facing Lindsey Wilson for a second time in as many days.
