LIVINGSTON, Ala. — The University of West Alabama softball team continues Gulf South Conference play this weekend as they travel to Cleveland, Mississippi, for a three-game series against Delta State.
Game one is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, with game two to follow approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the opener. The series will wrap up Sunday with game three set for 1:00 p.m.
West Alabama (18-6-1, 9-3 GSC) enters the weekend in sole possession of first place in the conference standings. Delta State (10-17, 4-8 GSC) sits ninth and comes in with momentum after sweeping their midweek doubleheader against LeMoyne-Owen on Wednesday.
The Tigers have been one of the hottest teams in the GSC this season, though they dropped their first series of the year last weekend against Montevallo. While the pitching staff continued to perform at a high level, the offense struggled, averaging just three runs per game and hitting .240 in the series.
Despite the results from this past weekend, West Alabama's lineup remains loaded with talent and is poised for a bounce-back performance. Haley Shannon remains the team leader in batting average with a .361 batting average entering the weekend. In the middle of the order, Ann Marie Stanbridge, Ella Watson, and Kayla Morris continue to provide consistent production.
Stanbridge has yet to hit a home run this season but ranks second on the team with a .324 average and leads the Tigers with 10 doubles. Watson started the 2026 season strong and, despite a recent cold spell, carries a .304 average with six home runs and 19 RBIs. Morris, one of the top freshmen in the conference, leads the team with 20 RBIs while adding six home runs and a .299 batting average.
The Tigers have leaned heavily on that core group, while Trinity Hatcher has emerged as a key contributor. Hatcher enters the series on a five-game hitting streak, batting .545 with two home runs during that span. Continued production from her could elevate the offense even further.
In the circle, Eleanor De Block, Megan Roe, and Stanbridge forms the top pitching staff in the conference. All three pitchers hold ERAs under 2.00, helping West Alabama post a team ERA of 1.86, which leads the GSC and ranks seventh nationally. De Block has been dominant, going 10-5 with a 1.84 ERA while limiting opposing hitters to a .153 batting average.
Delta State brings a potent offense into the matchup, hitting .310 as a team. Kyleigh Wheaton leads the way with a .425 average, nine home runs, and 32 RBIs. Carly Dunigan is also off to a strong start, batting .382 with three home runs and 20 RBIs. Ally Agner, Jorginho McKnight, Mary Teague, Calli McConnell, and Maeve Lavoy are all hitting above .300, setting up a compelling matchup against UWA's pitching staff.
Lavoy also anchors the Statesmen in the circle, posting a 3.52 ERA over 53.2 innings with a 4-3 record. Kendal Moore and Ellie Cox have faced challenges this season and will need strong outings if Delta State hopes to defend its home field.
First pitch for Saturday's opener is set for 1:00 p.m., with game two to follow. The series finale is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.
