Softball Game Preview: New Bern Bears vs. Havelock Rams

For the first time this season, New Bern will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup on Tuesday. They will venture away from home to square off against the Havelock Rams at 6:00 p.m. New Bern will be strutting in after a victory while Havelock will be coming in after a defeat.

While New Bern's win against Swansboro wasn't quite the blowout they won the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. New Bern came out on top in a nail-biter against Swansboro on Friday, sneaking past 13-11. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Bears have posted since April 10, 2024.

Anna Champey was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out ten batters over seven innings while giving up four earned (and seven unearned) runs off nine hits. Champey was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4. What's more, she posted three hits, the most she's had since back in March of 2024.

In other batting news, New Bern let Kierstyn Darnell and Makenzie Richardson run wild. Darnell scored two runs while going 2-for-4, while Richardson scored two runs while going 2-for-5. What's more, Darnell posted two RBI, the most she's had since back in February of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Ki'Mya Sutton, who scored a run while going 1-for-5.

Meanwhile, Havelock came up short against West Carteret on Friday and fell 8-5.

The win made it two in a row for New Bern and bumps their season record up to a perfect 2-0. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.5 runs over those games. As for Havelock, their loss dropped their record down to 0-2.

New Bern took their victory against Havelock when the teams last played back in May of 2024 by a conclusive 13-2. The rematch might be a little tougher for New Bern since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.