The Miles Lady Bears split their first day at the 2026 SIAC Softball Championships, pulling off a notable upset against Edward Waters but falling short against Fort Valley State. In their opening game, the Lady Bears edged Edward Waters 3-1 after a tense 11 innings, showcasing resilience with Delaney Gray leading the way. However, the Lady Bears struggled offensively against Fort Valley State, unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities, ultimately losing 3-1 and dropping into the elimination bracket.

By the Numbers
  • Miles defeated Edward Waters 3-1 after 11 innings.
  • Miles left nine runners on base in their loss to Fort Valley State.
Yes, But

Despite a strong showing against Edward Waters, the Lady Bears' inconsistent offense against Fort Valley State highlights the need for improvement in high-pressure situations and capitalizing on scoring chances.

State of Play
  • The Lady Bears are now in the elimination bracket following their loss to Fort Valley State.
  • The team will need to regroup quickly to avoid being knocked out of the tournament.
What's Next

Moving forward, the Lady Bears must address their offensive struggles and tighten their defense to remain competitive in the elimination rounds of the SIAC tournament.

Bottom Line

The Lady Bears have shown potential but need to refine their play under pressure to advance further in the tournament; a focus on situational hitting and strategic defense could be their key to success.