Softball Recap: Carbondale Comes Up Short

Carbondale extended their losing streak to four on Thursday, dropping their season record down to 5-7 in the process. They lost 8-2 to the Mt. Vernon Rams. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Rams this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 3-1 on Tuesday.

Carbondale saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Lilly Graham, who went 2-for-4 with one RBI.

As for Mt. Vernon, they pushed their record up to 7-2 with the victory, which was their fourth straight at home. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest win they have posted against Carbondale since April 14, 2022.

On Mt. Vernon's side, Taylor DeSmith spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on five hits and racked up 11 Ks. DeSmith has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in four consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Arwin Wilkey was incredible, going 1-for-4 with three runs, one triple, and one stolen base. What's more, she posted two RBI, the most she's had since back in May of 2024. Lexi Howard also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.

Coming up, Carbondale will take on Goreville at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. As for Mt. Vernon, they will face off against Mt. Carmel at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.