Arcola drops first two softball games

By Editor | March 17, 2026 |

By Mike Monahan

ARCOLA – The 2026 Arcola softball season didn’t start out well as they lost two non-conference games. Arcola dropped the opener at Oakwood 13-5 last Thursday and suffered a 15-0 loss in the home opener Friday at Kelly Moore Memorial Park. Arcola tried to get into the winning column weather permitting on Tuesday by hosting Georgetown-Ridge Farm. The Lady Riders are to travel to LeRoy Wednesday and host Dieterich Saturday at 10 a.m.

Oakwood 13,

Arcola 5

Arcola trailed just 2-1 after two and a half innings when Oakwood made it 4-1 after three with two runs. The Lady Riders took their first lead of the season by scoring four in the fifth as Maddie Pilkington led off with a single; Analia Cooper doubled to left, driving in Pilkington. Ema Simpson walked as did Anahi Cooper to load the bases when Jolena King reached on an error as three runs scored.

However, the Lady Comets sent 12 batters to the plate and scored eight runs to lead 12-5.

Pilkington led Arcola by going 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, while Analia and Anahi Cooper drove in a run each.

Hutsonville/

Palestine 15,

Arcola 0

Arcola committed seven errors in the loss that was called after four innings due to the 15 runs after four innings rule. Only five of the runs were earned.

The Lady Riders had two hits, one each by Anahi Cooper and Simpson.

Thursday Arcola at Oakwood

Arcola 001 00 0–5-6-3

Oakwood 022 081 x–13-13-2

Losing pitcher: Anahi Cooper (0-1) 5 innings, 12 hits, 4 earned runs, 3 strikeouts, 4 walks; Maddie Pilkington 1 inning, 1 hit, 1 earned run, 1 strikeout, 1 walk

ARCOLA: Pilkington 3-for-4, 2 runs, 2 stolen bases; Analia Cooper 1-for-4, double, run, RBI; Ema Simpson, 2 stolen bases, run; Anahi Cooper 1-for-3, run, RBI: Kayla Lyons 1-for-2

Friday Hutsonville/Palestine at Arcola

Hutsonville/Palestine 553 2–15-8-1

Arcola 000 0–0-2-7

Losing pitcher: Pilkington (0-1) 2 innings, 5 hits, 4 earned runs, 1 strikeout, 3 walks; Anahi Cooper 2 innings, 3 hits, 1 earned run, 1 strikeout, 1 walk

ARCOLA: Anahi Cooper 1-for-2; Simpson 1-for-2

Arcola sports schedule

(March 18 through March 25)

Arcola baseball

Saturday: Oakwood at Arcola, 10 a.m.

Tuesday: Central A&M at Arcola, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday: WSS at Arcola, 4:30 p.m.

Arcola Softball

Wednesday: Arcola at LeRoy, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday: Dieterich at Arcola, 4:30 p.m.

Monday: Shelbyville at Arcola, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Arcola at Martinsville, 4:30 p.m.