THE COMEBACK TROJANS: BETHEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY STUNS TOP-SEEDED OAK LEVEL BAPTIST IN DRAMATIC SEMIFINAL SHOWDOWN
In a game that will be remembered as an instant classic, the Bethel Christian Academy Trojans clawed their way back from the brink, toppling top-seeded Oak Level Baptist Academy 3-2 in a nail-biting semifinal clash of the NCCSA Softball State Playoffs. For the Trojans, it was a night of resilience—a showcase of grit and a display of heart.
Early on, it seemed the Conquerors were ready to live up to their billing. With pressure mounting in the bottom of the third, Oak Level Baptist capitalized on defensive miscues by Bethel. Two runs scored on throwing errors during a steal attempt, and the Trojans suddenly found themselves staring at a 2-0 deficit.
But in the face of adversity, Bethel was far from done.
The top of the fourth inning saw the Trojans seize an opportunity, sparked by Avery Cash, who worked a clutch walk. Suzanne Rouse stepped up next and unleashed a scorching RBI double, instantly slicing the deficit in half. Then came Emersyn Smith’s towering shot to center field—caught for an out, but not without consequence. Rouse tagged up, and when the throw home veered wildly into the dugout, Bethel drew level. The game was tied, and momentum had swung.
Yet the drama was far from over.
In the top of the sixth, Cash was back in the spotlight. A single, followed by two daring stolen bases, put her just 60 feet from immortality. When a desperate throw to third sailed astray, Cash sprinted home. The Trojans led 3-2.
Rouse tried to push the lead further, but the Conquerors’ defense managed to tag her out at the plate—a fleeting moment of hope for Oak Level Baptist. But their reprieve would be short-lived.
Smith’s starting performance was nothing short of heroic—five innings of pressure-packed softball, allowing just four hits, two runs, and striking out seven. But when the stakes rose even higher in the sixth, it was Rouse’s turn. The ace reliever was ice-cold, fanning five over two no-hit, scoreless innings.
The final out came with a roar. Emma Ingram settled under a towering fly ball to center field, secured it, and with that catch, Bethel’s dugout erupted. The Trojans were on their way to the State Championship.
Head coach Ashley Stroud couldn’t contain his pride after the game.
“Just an unbelievable amount of fight out of these ladies,” Stroud said. “They came through in the clutch when they needed to—unbelievable performance by these ladies.”
Emersyn Smith, the hero on the mound, kept it simple: “I just did my best and my team was really good to back me up. We stayed pumped up and jacked up the whole time.”
Suzanne Rouse, whose bat and arm were pivotal, reflected on the team’s mindset. “I think we all played very relaxed tonight, and I think we all wanted it.”
As for Coach Stroud, his message was clear as his team marched toward a date with destiny.
“It has been nine years rolling, and we are here. Now it's just time to relax and play. Whatever happens, happens.”
Bethel Christian Academy will take the field for the state championship at Wilson Christian at 12 p.m. on Saturday. The opponent is yet to be determined, but one thing is certain — these Trojans have already proven they belong on the grandest stage.
