"We have to come out of the gates with a team like UWF firing on all cylinders and we did not," UWA head coach Carie Dever-Boaz said. "We didn't execute the short game today and our batteries really struggled to work ahead. It hurts us with our game plan."

West Alabama managed two runs in the top of the third to take a 2-1 lead over the Argonauts. The Tigers got on the scoreboard when Kendall Johnson hit a two-run homer that scored Peyton Coots.

The Argonauts added two more runs in the third when UWF opened with two base hits. Kara Wilson's base hit to right field chased a pair of Argo runs.

UWA scored three big runs in the sixth when Hanna Sartain walked, moved to second when Cassie Matlock was hit by a pitch and both scored on LP Trammell's home run.

West Florida closed out the game with two runs in the sixth.

UWF starter Kelsey Sweatt (3-1) went the distance, allowing four hits and five runs while striking out seven to pick up the win.

West Alabama starter Kamree Lay (1-2) absorbed the loss, allowing three runs on four hits. Hannah Mynard, Haley Thorpe, and Kat Burks combined to allow six hits and four earned runs while striking out three the rest of the way.

"We are looking for consistency right now and it's hard to be upset when we have played six games before starting GSC play. We will get better, and we're eager to get after it," Dever-Boaz said.

The Tigers and Argonauts are scheduled to finish the three-game series with a doubleheader Saturday. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.

To stay connected with the UWA softball team, follow @UWASoftball on Instagram and @UWA_Softball on Twitter. General athletic news, along with game recaps and box scores, can be found at uwaathletics.com. Additional updates and information are available @UWAAthletics on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.