MONTEVALLO, Ala. - West Alabama battled back from Friday night and swept the road doubleheader at Montevallo to win the Gulf South Conference series at Orr Park Saturday afternoon.
"This team fought their hearts out today and gave every last bit of energy they had," UWA head coach Carie Dever-Boaz said. "Game one wasn't pretty but the job got done! Kaeleigh Crutchfield really came in and anchored us down in the circle in game one."
"Cassie Matlock had a huge day going 7 for 8 and the grad slam set game two completely in our control," Dever-Boaz said.
With the wins, the Tigers improve to 13-15 overall and 9-12 in GSC play while Montevallo drops to 11-16, 6-11 in the conference.
Game 1
Trailing by three runs early in the game, West Alabama came back and scored five runs in the fifth to take the lead and get the 8-7 win against Montevallo.
The Falcons took a 4-0 lead after the first inning but West Alabama battled back with two runs in the top of the second. In that inning, Nicole Buccieri's sacrifice fly scored LP Trammell, and Grace Self hit into a fielder's choice scoring Cassie Matlock. With the two runs, the Tigers trimmed the Falcons lead to 4-2.
In the top of the fourth trailing 5-2, the Tigers scored again on Hannah Mynard RBI single scoring Matlock. The Falcons still lead at 5-3.
The Tigers trailed in the fifth, 6-3, but the bats came alive in a big way to give UWA the lead.
The big blow for the Tigers was a Trammell two run homer to centerfield. A Mckee RBI single scored Matlock. Kacy Noland reached on a fielding error by the Falcon's pitcher that scored Mckee and Self. These five runs gave the Tigers an 8-6 lead late in the game.
Montevallo scored a run in the bottom of the seventh but it was not enough as the Tigers got the 8-7 win.
Kaeleigh Crutchfield (3-0) gets the win in relief. Crutchfield pitched five innings only giving up a run on five hits.
The Tigers were led by Matlock who went 4-for-4 with three runs scored in the game.
Game 2
West Alabama hit a grand slam to lead the Tigers to a huge 11-0 win in game two and complete the GSC sweep against the Falcons.
In the first, Kendall Johnson RBI single scored McKee giving the Tigers the lead, 1-0.
The second was a big inning for UWA as Matlock hit a grand slam driving in McKee, Kelsie Gilliam, and Self. Trammell RBI double scored Johnson. Buccieri reached on a fielding error allowing Trammell to score.
The Tigers stayed hot in the third, earning three more runs. Matlock reached on a fielding error that scored Gilliam. Noland RBI single scored Matlock and McKee.
Noland's sacrifice fly scored Gilliam as the Tigers rounded out their scoring in the fourth with the final margin set at 11-0.
Matlock led the Tigers with four RBIs, three hits and two runs.
Noland (6-7) got the win while pitching four innings and giving up no earned runs.
"It felt good for them to realize they really can compete. Now it is time to celebrate Easter and our savior," Dever-Boaz said.
The Tigers hit the road and head to Valdosta Saturday to compete in a GSC doubleheader against Valdosta State. First pitch is set for noon.
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.
