Lady Eagles Softball End Season at NCCAA World Series

The historic season for the Alice Lloyd College Lady Eagles softball team came to a close on Tuesday as the Lady Eagles fell to Kentucky Christian University 6-3 in NCCAA World Series play. Despite the loss, the Lady Eagles capped off a record-breaking season that saw the program reach new heights, including a school-record 36 wins and an at-large bid to the NCCAA Softball World Series as the No. 5 seed.

Kentucky Christian struck first in the opening inning when Rebecca Engler delivered an RBI single to give the Knights a 1-0 advantage. Alice Lloyd answered quickly in the bottom half of the inning as Mckenzie Orfield lifted a sacrifice fly to even the score at one.

The Lady Eagles grabbed momentum in the second inning, taking a 3-1 lead after Whitney Lippert came through with a two-run single. Alice Lloyd continued to battle throughout the contest, showing the determination and resilience that defined the team's season.

Kentucky Christian responded in the top of the third when Sara Bays singled down the right field line to tie the game at 3-3. The Knights regained control in the fourth inning, capitalizing on an Alice Lloyd error and a bases-loaded walk by Kylie Mathes to move ahead 5-3. Kentucky Christian added another run later in the game and held on for the victory.

Bays earned the win in the circle for Kentucky Christian, allowing three runs, one earned, on seven hits across seven innings while striking out one and walking one. Alice Lloyd starter Arin Rife battled through five and two-thirds innings, surrendering six runs, two earned, while striking out three.

Lippert led the Lady Eagles offensively with two RBIs, while Mackinzie Newport and Brooke Baker each recorded two hits. Alice Lloyd finished with seven hits in the contest and continued to compete until the final out.

Kentucky Christian was led by Bays, who went 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Hannah Melton also collected two hits for the Knights, while Alexis Holleman drew three walks as Kentucky Christian totaled six walks in the game. The Knights also turned four double plays defensively.

The 2026 Lady Eagles will be remembered as one of the most successful teams in program history. The team set a new program win record, earned an at-large bid to the NCCAA Softball World Series, and competed among the nation's top NCCAA programs while setting a new standard for Alice Lloyd College softball. The Lady Eagles also say goodbye to five seniors whose leadership, hard work, and dedication played a major role in the success of the program. Alice Lloyd College Athletics thanks this senior class for their contributions and the lasting impact they have made on Lady Eagles softball.