Bladenboro Hands East Columbus First Loss, Celebrates 8th Graders with 11-8 Victory

Bladenboro Softball team photo.

Bladenboro, NC - The Bladenboro Middle School softball team delivered a statement win, taking down previously undefeated East Columbus, 11-8, in front of a supportive home crowd.

The win was even sweeter as the team honored its 8th grade players: Maycee Kinlaw, Kristen Singletary, Hailii Andrews, Hadley Dove, and Becka Arnold—each of whom has left a lasting mark on the program.

Adyson Carroll sparked the offense early, reaching base three times with a pair of singles and taking advantage of an East Columbus miscue. Carroll scored three times and knocked in a run as part of the team’s consistent pressure at the plate.

Caity McLaurin added her name to the list of difference-makers with a pair of doubles and a walk. She reached base safely in all three plate appearances, tallying three runs and an RBI of her own. Kristen Singletary found her way on base three times thanks to errors, and she made them count by scoring twice and driving in a run.

Maycee Kinlaw led the charge both at the plate and in the circle. The eighth grader crushed two doubles and launched a home run, crossing the plate three times and driving in a run. On the mound, Kinlaw pitched a complete game, scattering seven hits across seven innings. She allowed eight runs—only three of them earned—while striking out seven and walking just two.

Hadley Dove showed her power with a triple and added a single to her night, continuing her steady contributions to the lineup. Carley Rhodes reached base on an error, keeping the momentum alive during a key inning.

Becka Arnold took one for the team—literally—as she was hit by a pitch and gave her team an extra baserunner. Hailii Andrews rounded out the lineup with four at-bats, contributing to a team effort that kept East Columbus under pressure all game.

Kaylee Fisher drew a walk and drove in a run, keeping the rally going during one of Bladenboro’s big innings.

With the win, Bladenboro not only handed East Columbus its first loss of the season, but also showcased the grit and teamwork that have defined their campaign.

On a night of celebration and reflection, the 8th graders helped deliver a memory their team—and their school—won’t soon forget.

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Bladenboro Hands East Columbus First Loss, Celebrates 8th Graders with 11-8 Victory