GULF SHORES, Ala. - The University of West Alabama Softball team began their 2025 season by defeating the eighth ranked team in the country, North Georgia, 2-1 in Gulf Shores on Friday.
Behind the starting effort of Madison Wright, West Alabama (1-0) neutralized North Georgia's (0-1) offense, holding one of the nation's top offensive teams in 2024 to one run on opening day.
"Today was a total team effort," said head coach Stephanie Defeo. "Madison pitched well, we played incredible defense, and had clutch hitting."
The reigning GSC Player of the Year, Marissa Mitchell, began the game with a bunt single, before stealing second to set up an early scoring opportunity for the Tigers. After two batters failed to drive Mitchell in, Ann Marie Stanbridge singled to drive in the Senior Infielder, giving UWA an early 1-0 lead.
In the bottom half of the inning, North Georgia's Sydnee Reaves hit a leadoff Home Run to knot the score at one. After surrendering a Home Run to the first batter she faced on the season, Wright bounced back and composed herself in a big way as the lefty retired the next seven batters in order as the score remained tied at one at the end of the third inning.
In the fourth, Ella Watson ripped a one-out double, giving UWA another massive RBI opportunity. Trinity Hatcher advanced Watson to third, bringing up true freshman Jessica Rose who delivered a go-ahead RBI single to push the Tigers out in front, 2-1.
Now in line for the win, Wright ran into trouble in the bottom of the fourth as the Nighthawks had runners on first and second with no one out after a hit by pitch and a single from Chloe Poss. West Alabama's ace got out of the inning unscathed by producing a pair of fly outs and a groundout to hold UWA's lead at 2-1.
From there on out, Wright continued to dazzle on the mound as she held North Georgia scoreless for the remainder of the game, propelling the Tigers to a colossal opening day victory.
Wright recorded a complete game, allowing eight hits and striking out two in route to her 49th career victory. Offensively, Mitchell and Watson both went 3-4 with one run scored while Stanbridge picked up two hits and an RBI.
West Alabama will resume the Gulf Shores Invitational on Saturday with a 10:30 a.m. matchup against Barry set followed by a 12:45 p.m. contest against Florida Tech.
