LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The University of West Alabama softball team fell to the No. 25 University of Alabama in Huntsville in doubleheader action, 2-0 and 5-4, on Friday afternoon.
GAME ONE: Alabama Huntsville 2, West Alabama 0
The Tigers found a golden opportunity in the fourth thanks to three straight singles from Marissa Mitchell, Ann Marie Stanbridge, and Riley Sullivan. Unfortunately, pop up put an end to the West Alabama scoring hopes.
Jada Henderson got the Chargers on the board in the sixth inning with a two-RBI double.
UWA kept the UAH from adding to the lead in the top of the seventh, stranding the bases loaded.
The Chargers returned the favor in the bottom of the inning, retiring the final three Tiger batters to clinch the game one victory.
Madison Wright (18-8) struck out five batters and went the distance.
GAME TWO: Alabama Huntsville 5, West Alabama 4
Kelsie Gilliam instigated a three-run first inning, stealing home from third base to make it 1-0.
Riley Sullivan extended the home team's lead to 3-0 with a two-run homer over the left field wall.
Much like game one, flyouts were a major catalyst for both squads, combining for 21 overall between them.
The Chargers stormed back in the sixth, scoring five runs off a hit by pitch advance with the bases loaded followed by a grand slam from Kylee Smith, making it a 5-3 ballgame.
With one out in the bottom of the seventh, an Emily Cowart single loaded the bases, giving the Tigers an opportunity to potentially clinch a walk-off win.
The next at-bat, Mary Grace Sheffield hit a sacrifice fly to center field that allowed Ann Marie Stanbridge to score from third. Unfortunately, as Stanbridge touched home plate, Cowart tried to take second base on the throw and was ruled out to seal the doubleheader sweep for UAH.
Emily Cowart led the way for the Tigers with four hits at the plate in the night cap.
Eleanor De Block (6-5) posted the complete game in the circle.
West Alabama falls to 28-16 overall and 12-14 in Gulf South Conference play. Alabama Huntsville, ranked 25th in the country by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division II poll, advances to 35-12 and 20-6.
The Tigers and Chargers will conclude the series Saturday afternoon at the UWA Softball Complex. Senior Day festivities will begin at 11:30 a.m., with the first pitch to follow at noon.
