CLEVELAND, Miss. - The No. 21 University of West Alabama softball team was defeated by Delta State University in game three of a Gulf South Conference series 10-8, Sunday from University Field.
The Tigers found themselves with a substantial lead early, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning. A Marissa Mitchell RBI single scored run number one, followed by a Mary Grace Sheffield two-run shot just a pair of at-bats later.
Sheffield helped put another run on the board in the top of the third, sending Kelsie Gilliam home on a sacrifice fly to extend the West Alabama lead to 4-0.
The Lady Statesmen cut the deficit in the bottom of the inning with a Sydney Pevey RBI double.
DSU exploded in the bottom of the fourth, scoring seven runs in the frame, led by a Pevey two-out grand slam to take an 8-4 lead.
Despite the Lady Statesmen's ferocious comeback, the Tigers didn't back down from the challenge.
Sheffield continued her impressive day on offense in the top of the fifth, hitting an RBI double to cut the DSU lead to 8-5.
The next at-bat, Emily Cowart evened things out with a three-run rocket to left center, tying the contest at eight runs apiece.
Delta State took the lead back in the bottom of the sixth with Kyleigh Wheaton and Calli McConnel hitting back-to-back RBIs.
With West Alabama unable to respond in the top of the seventh, the Lady Statesmen took home the series with the game three victory.
Mary Grace Sheffield led the way for the Tigers will four RBIs and a home run.
Sydney Pevey drove in five RBIs and the momentum shifting grand slam to pace DSU.
West Alabama falls to 17-11 overall and 6-9 in Gulf South Conference play. Delta State moves to 7-22 and 3-9.
The Tigers will head back home this weekend to take on West Georgia in a three-game series in Livingston. The first pitch of Saturday's doubleheader is set for 1 p.m.
