Statesmen Split Opening Day of Region 10 Tournament; Advance in Elimination Bracket

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA — The Richard Bland College Softball team opened Region 10 Tournament play with a split on day one of double-elimination bracket action, defeating Bryant & Stratton (VA) before falling to Louisburg College later in the day.

The Statesmen came out sharp in their tournament opener, riding a dominant pitching performance from Ava Balli and timely hitting to secure a 6-1 win. After surrendering a run in the top of the first, RBC answered immediately. Arianna Manson drove in Kamryn Lane with a RBI double to even the score, setting the tone early. Manson stayed hot at the plate, adding another RBI in the third to give RBC the lead for good. The Statesmen broke things open in the middle innings, highlighted by a two-run home run from Samantha Barbe in the fourth that extended the advantage. RBC continued to apply pressure in the fifth, tacking on two more runs behind contributions from Gabby Shaver and Daphne Hall. In the circle, Balli was outstanding, tossing a complete game while allowing just four hits and one run. She struck out 10 batters, putting her name down in history as the single season strike out leader with 144, and controlled the pace throughout.

In the winner's bracket matchup, RBC ran into a tough No. 1 Louisburg squad and struggled to generate offense in a 1-8 loss. The Statesmen struck first in the third inning, as Claudia Minetree delivered a RBI single to give RBC a 1-0 lead. However, Louisburg responded quickly with a three-run inning and never looked back. Louisburg added insurance runs across the fourth and fifth innings, including a pair of home runs, to create separation. RBC was limited to just two hits in the contest, as Louisburg's pitcher kept the Statesmen off balance throughout, recording 11 strikeouts. In the circle, RBC utilized multiple arms, with Grace Urban, Emma Shelhorse, and Angela Dreistadt combining for six innings of work.

With the game two loss, the Statesmen move into the elimination bracket and will look to continue their postseason run in Region 10 Tournament play at 10am tomorrow, against Cleveland Community College. With a loss, the team will be eliminated from the tournament. With a win, the team will advance in the elimination bracket and play a second game tomorrow at 4pm against the winner of Bryant & Stratton and Catawba Valley Community College.

For the full schedule and updates throughout the season, visit https://www.rbcathletics.com/sports/sball/2025-26/schedule or follow @rbcsoftball on social media.