Updated: BPCC's Sarah Hudek gets first collegiate win

Sarah Hudek felt a bit of trepidation when she entered the game in the fourth inning of BPCC’s Wednesday afternoon game with No. 9 Hinds Community College in Mississippi.

The Cavalier freshman, believed to be the only female playing collegiate baseball this season, knew a lot was riding on her performance in relief of former Evangel standout Austin McWhiney. The Eagles had already won the first game of the doubleheader, and had jumped in front 4-1 off McWhiney before the Cavaliers rallied in the top of the fourth to take a 5-4 advantage. The key was to make that hold up for four more innings.

Sarah Hudek adjusts to BPCC baseball team

“I was a little nervous, but I was mentally ready to go in whenever coach (Aaron) Vorachek called for me,” Hudek told The Times. “I wanted to show that I can come in and perform in any situation. I felt great and was able to find the strike zone quickly.”

Three Hinds players managed dink hits to load the bases with two outs in the fourth, but Hudek coaxed the five-hole hitter to line out to left to get out of the frame.

“And that was really the only trouble she saw in her 2 2/3 innings pitched to pick up her first win,” Vorachek said. “She gave up three infield singles and she pitched well.”

Hudek said she was trying to avoid a bases loaded jam.

“I didn’t want to get to that, but those are the kinds of situations I live for,” said the 5-foot-10 left-hander. “I had a lot of confidence in my catcher Luis Santiago and my defense behind me.”

Former Calvary Baptist standout Stephen Morrison took over with a runner on third in the bottom of the sixth and closed out the 5-4 win with a spotless seventh.

BPCC baseball to sign female pitcher

Hudek struck out three as BPCC moved to 2-5 on the season.

“This win was a difference maker, a big confidence boost for our team,” Hudek said. “Hinds is a national contender and to battle like that says a lot about our team. This should give us a momentum boost going into the weekend.”

The Cavs will play in Baton Rouge this weekend against St. Louis and Baton Rouge community colleges.

Twitter: @JimmyWatson6