COLUMBUS, Ga. – University of West Alabama Softball scored four runs in the top of the 10
th inning to defeat Columbus State University 6-4 in non-conference action Tuesday at Cougar Field.
Game two of the doubleheader was cancelled, improving West Alabama to 7-5 overall. Columbus State falls to 7-5.
After being tied 2-2 through nine innings, the Tigers capitalized on two Cougar errors, an illegal pitch and sacrifice fly to take its third lead of the day.
CSU responded with a two-run double by Taylor Turner in the bottom of the 10
th, but the Tiger defense would make its second play at the plate later in the inning and left three runners on base to protect the lead. UWA went on to finish with only one error, while three errors by the Cougars proved costly.
Ashley Stassin claimed the only hit for the Tigers in the top of the third inning on an RBI single to right field. Her hit gave the Tigers the 2-1 lead. Columbus State finished with nine hits.
"I felt like the defense played really well today," said UWA head coach
Will Atkinson.
"We were able to clean up the issues from this weekend. Although it was cold we were able to play with a lot of confidence. We were able to make some big plays, especially at the plate. Our offense didn't do what it typically does, today. There is a lot to be said if you have a ball club that can score six runs and only get one hit. We were just able to put pressure on their defense and force them to make plays."
Alli Hall (4-4) pitched nine innings to pick up the win, while
Giana Cavallaro entered in the 10
th inning to capture the save.
Cougar pitcher Lindsey DeFee (1-3) completed the game, but took the loss despite allowing one hit and striking out nine. DeFee walked eight, including three in the first inning.
"Today is a text book description of a team win," Atkinson said. "No one person can say they did everything, it took a lot of small parts. That's what I love about this ball club, they just go out and do their part. Winning is fun. We will enjoy this today and then begin getting ready for West Georgia."
West Alabama returns to Gulf South Conference play to take on West Georgia in Carrollton, Ga. in a three game series beginning with a doubleheader on Saturday. First pitch of game one is set for Noon (C.S.T.).
