LIVINGSTON, Ala. – West Alabama head coach Will Atkinson clinched his 400^th career victory as the Tigers defeated Montevallo 7-2 in game one of a double-header non-conference matchup at the UWA Softball Complex on Tuesday. The Falcons went on to win game two 5-1.  
 
"It's been a long time coming, and it's been a really long career," said Atkinson. "It helps to surround yourself with really good folks. We have a fantastic ball club. I love them, and they work hard. I know we've had our share of growing pains this year, but we came out, pitched well and hit a little bit. I'm really excited for them."
 
West Alabama moves to 11-19 overall, while Montevallo goes to 14-21.
 
The Tigers struck early in game one, taking a 1-0 lead with Libby Davis brining in Brittany Anderson for a run in the bottom of the first. After the Falcons tied the game with a score in the top of the fifth, UWA went back on top with three runs in the bottom of the inning. Audrey Diekmann and Devan Hines each tallied RBI singles, while Diekmann went on to score on an error.
 
In the bottom of the sixth, the Tigers stretched its lead to five with RBI's from Kallie Klinger and Ashlend Rodriguez. Edmonds, who came into pinch run, stole home.  
 
Diekmann finished 2-of-4 at the plate, while Lacey Santiago led 2-of-3 with two runs and a double.  
 
All four of Montevallo's hits came with extra bases as it tallied two doubles and two triples. Sarah Fedrico brought in one run with a double in the top of the sixth.
 
Ashley Stassin (3-2) picked up the win in the circle, allowing three hits, two runs and striking out three. Andrea Edmonds entered in the sixth to tally the save. Jocelyn Rivera (4-11) entered in the fourth to take the loss. She gave up three runs and three hits.    
 
"Stassin came out and really commanded the strike zone," Atkinson said.
 
"She worked ahead in the count and that really gives you a chance if you're not working from behind. It was great to see her come out here and get one of those outings that we know she's capable of. She gave us a chance to be successful."
 
In game two, Montevallo pieced all five of its runs together in the second and third innings. Shelby Clark led 3-of-4 with two doubles and a run. Shelby Lopez totaled three RBI, scoring two on a single in the top of the second.
 
Jenna Goldsmith score the only Tiger run on an error in the bottom of the second.
 
Abbey Pratt (2-1) took the win striking out eight and allowing one run and seven hits. Amanda Medders (3-9) picked up the loss, giving up four earned runs and six hits.
 
"We would have liked to get out of here today with two wins, but the things we did well are going to go a long way for us as we prepare for a conference series against Union this weekend."
 
West Alabama Softball will return to Gulf South Conference action against Union University in a three game series beginning in a double-header on Friday. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the UWA Softball Complex.