Play ball!

By Ethan Nahté

Pre-season is over and the regular season is in full swing for baseball and softball.

The UA Rich Mountain Bucks baseball and softball teams were in action over the weekend. On the baseball diamond, the Bucks dropped a 13-1 decision to Connors State College.

The Bucks will play three games against Mineral Area College over March 3-4. They the play a doubleheader against Henderson University JV on March 6.

On the softball diamond, the Bucks split a doubleheader with Eastern Oklahoma State. The Bucks dropped the opener 8-0, but bounced back to take the nightcap 8-6.

The UARM website has several games for the Lady Bucks softball in BRanson, with three games on March 3 and another on March 4. They also play again next Tuesday.

Corey Gibbs (left) and Eli Eaton were the winners of the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship. The event, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 7258, was held for boys and girls ages 9-14 on Feb. 26 at the Acorn School Gymnasium. The contest, held since1972, is meant to provide an athletic outlet and encourage the values of sportsmanship and healthy competition. (Submitted photo)

The Mena Bearcats baseball opened their season against Nashville on Monday, falling 14-1. They play in the De Queen Tournament March 2-4.

The Ladycats softball begin their season Wednesday at home against Malvern.

The Ladycats head to the 2023 Ashdown Invitational Tournament for the weekend, first taking on Horatio Friday afternoon. Waldron and De Queen will also be playing in the tournament.