A two-time Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Year had a seamless transition to the professional ranks. Karyln Pickens struck out five as the Carolina Blaze rolled past the Portland Cascade 11-2 in five innings at Smith Family Stadium in Durham on Wednesday night. Pickens, the top overall selection in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League Draft on May 4, threw a complete game in her professional debut just nine days after pitching in the Women’s College World Series against eventual National Champion Texas in Oklahoma City. Former Duke All-American Ana Gold, playing in her old college park. went 3-for-3. She had two hits during a 7-run third inning, including a two-run double that put the Blaze ahead 8-2. The seven-run inning is the highest-scoring frame in Blaze history. Carolina became the first team in the AUSL to earn a series win this season. Seven different players accounted for the Blaze’s ten hits. Alyssa Brito delivered the Blaze’s first double of the season, which was also her first hit of the year. On Tuesday in the season opener, Carolina defeated Portland 4-1. The Blaze are 2-0 and will face Portland to end the three-game series on Thursday afternoon at 5PM. On Saturday, Carolina will start a three-game series against the Texas Volts.
Orange Panther of the Week: Hayleigh Hammond
06/27/2026
