CLEVELAND, Miss. — The University West Alabama Softball team split their doubleheader against Delta State on Sunday, falling in Game One, 5-3, before responding in Game Two with a 13-5 victory.
ShaKeria Washington highlighted the day for UWA (19-7-1, 10-4 GSC) as the Junior homered three times over the course of the Tigers' doubleheader against DSU (11-18, 5-9 GSC).
GAME ONE: DSU 5, UWA 3
Delta State took an early lead in the first inning with Carly Dunigan's two-run home run.
West Alabama responded in the fourth inning when Ann Marie Stanbridge and Washington each hit solo home runs, tying the game at 2-2.
In the fifth inning, the Tigers briefly took the lead as Trinity Hatcher scored on a fielder's choice, but the Statesmen quickly responded with an unearned run, leaving the score tied at 3-3.
DSU regained control in the sixth inning, scoring two unearned runs to secure their lead as the game progressed to the seventh. UWA was unable to mount a comeback in the final inning, resulting in a 5-3 victory for Delta State.
Eleanor De Block was the starter in Game One for West Alabama and pitched a complete game, striking out seven batters over 6 innings.
GAME TWO: UWA 13, DSU 5
Megan Roe got the start in Game Two and earned her seventh win of the season.
The Tigers responded in a big way in Game Two. UWA's offense exploded for 13 runs on 12 hits, leading to their run-rule win.
The game began with a strong offensive performance from West Alabama in the first inning. Haley Shannon walked, and Stanbridge reached on an error, advancing Shannon. Ella Watson reached base on another error, allowing Shannon to score. Washington then hit a three-run homer before Hatcher scored on a double by Kayla Morris. DSU responded with two runs in their half of the inning, making it a 5-2 game as we progressed to the second inning.
In the second inning, UWA continued its scoring momentum. Watson walked and advanced on a wild pitch before Washington hit her second home run of the game and third of the day, extending the Tigers' lead back to five.
The Statesmen responded in the third inning with two runs, but West Alabama maintained its lead.
UWA widened the gap in the fourth inning when Hatcher doubled, driving in two more runs, increasing their lead to 9-4.
In the fifth inning, the Tigers continued to pour it on, adding four more runs. Lee Lott doubled, followed by a single from Morris, which set up Jessica Rose to drive in a run. Watson later hit a home run, bringing two more runs home, extending the lead to 13-5.
Roe recorded the final three outs in the fifth to end the game and even the series at one.
Washington recorded two home runs and drove in five runs, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output. Watson added a home run and scored three runs, showcasing her ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Shannon reached base twice with two hits and scored two runs, providing a strong presence at the top of the lineup. Roe threw a complete game, striking out three batters over 5 innings to secure the win.
West Alabama and Delta State will conclude their series on Sunday with Game Three set for 1:00 p.m.
