Softball Recap: Benton Comes Up Short

Benton had lost three straight at home, but on Wednesday they dropped their record down to 13-14 to make it four. They came up short against the Hamilton County Foxes, falling 20-9. The Rangers were not able to make up for their defeat to the Foxes from their previous meeting back in May of 2023.

Benton saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Carlie James (2026), who fired off two home runs and four RBI while going 2-for-3. James (2026) also put up two runs, which were her first of the season. Lucy Giacone (2025) was another, going 1-for-3 with two RBI, one run, and one double.

As for Hamilton County, the win made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 14-15. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.5 runs over those games.

On Hamilton County's side, Rayci Phelps made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she pitched 3.2 innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. Phelps was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April.

In other batting news, Colebie Miller was incredible, going 4-for-5 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Emery Hart, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs and four RBI.

Looking ahead, Benton is taking a road trip to square off against Herrin at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. The Rangers' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Tigers have averaged an impressive 6.2 runs per game this season. As for Hamilton County, they will look to defend their home field on Thursday against Carmi-White County at 4:30 p.m.