BNL Drops Three Games in Tennessee Tournament

Stars struggle on final day of Southern Warrior Classic, but coach sees progress

Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:04pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the dynamic action and competing perspectives of a high school softball game, conveying the competitive spirit of the BNL Stars' tournament experience.A cubist interpretation of the competitive spirit and strategic complexity of high school softball, as the BNL Stars face off against top Tennessee teams.Bedford Today

Bedford North Lawrence's softball team wrapped up a tough road trip in Tennessee, dropping three games on the final day of the Southern Warrior Classic tournament. Despite the losses, coach Brad Gilbert was encouraged by the team's progress and competitiveness, especially against the tournament's top team, Crockett County.

Why it matters

The early-season tournament provided valuable experience for the young BNL squad, allowing them to face quality opponents from outside their usual Indiana competition. While the results were not what the team hoped for, the coach believes the team is building towards success as the season progresses.

The details

BNL suffered losses to Lawrence County (11-8), Smyrna (15-1), and Crockett County (4-2) on the final day of the tournament. The Stars jumped out to a 7-0 lead against Lawrence County before the Lady Cats rallied. Smyrna scored in bunches to win by mercy rule, while Crockett County edged BNL in a close game. Despite the defeats, coach Brad Gilbert was encouraged by the team's competitiveness, especially against the tournament's top team Crockett County, which he called 'maybe the best team we played'.

  • BNL opened the 2026 season with the tournament in Tennessee.
  • The final day of the Southern Warrior Classic was on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Brad Gilbert

The head coach of the Bedford North Lawrence softball team.

Adalynn Bailey

A BNL player who had a bases-loaded single and scored runs in the team's loss to Lawrence County.

Kadynn Canada

A BNL player who hit a two-run double in the loss to Lawrence County.

Karsyn Coleman

A BNL player who hit an RBI double to give the team an 8-7 lead against Lawrence County.

Macee Nicholson

A BNL player who hit a home run in the team's loss to Crockett County.

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What they’re saying

“We got what we wanted, we play games and got to see a bunch of pitching. There were times we had good at-bats, which is what we have to take away from this weekend. We got better, we're just building from our mistakes.”

— Brad Gilbert, BNL Head Coach

“If we make some plays, we probably win that game. Those are things we have to learn. when have a team on the ropes, we have to put them away.”

— Brad Gilbert, BNL Head Coach

“That might have been the best team we played, so that was a great sign. Our kids were tired, so I'm really proud of the effort. We really challenged them that last game, give everything they have, and they played well.”

— Brad Gilbert, BNL Head Coach

What’s next

BNL will return to Indiana soil to visit Jasper on Thursday.

The takeaway

While the BNL softball team struggled with losses during the final day of the Tennessee tournament, the coach saw progress and competitiveness from his young squad, especially against the tournament's top team. The early-season road trip provided valuable experience that the team can build upon as the season continues.