JACKSON, Tenn. — The University of West Alabama Softball team swept their Saturday doubleheader against the Union Bulldogs, winning Game One, 9-0, and Game Two 12-4.
A combination of excellent hitting and pitching from UWA (22-7-1, 13-4 GSC) led the Tigers to a pair of convincing wins over Union (13-19, 6-11 GSC). West Alabama hit .400 at the plate on the day while Eleanor De Block, Megan Roe, and Ann Marie Stanbridge neutralized the Bulldogs' offense.
GAME ONE: UWA 9, UU 0
De Block got the start in Game One and pitched a shutout, allowing only three hits while striking out five over five innings.
Ella Watson ignited the Tigers' offense early as the sophomore blasted a solo home run in the opening inning, putting West Alabama ahead, 1-0.
After clean innings of work from De Block in the circle, UWA added on to their lead in the third. ShaKeria Washington delivered a two-RBI double, driving in Watson and Haley Shannon that extended West Alabama's lead to three.
The Tigers broke the game open in the fifth inning as their offense exploded for five more runs. Shannon was the first to score in the inning as the Outfielder tripled and scored on a subsequent error. With the bases loaded, Kayla Morris doubled down the left field line, clearing the bases for three RBIs. Following this, La'Taviona Parke hit a pinch-hit two-run homer, giving West Alabama a 9-0 lead.
As the game progressed to the bottom of the fifth, the Bulldogs needed to score at least two runs to keep their hopes in Game One alive. Union put two runners on before De Blocked beared down and recorded the third out of the inning to clinch a 9-0 run-rule win for the Tigers.
Watson scored two runs, collected two hits, and recorded a home run while earning an RBI. Parke hit a home run and drove in two runs with her single at-bat. De Block pitched a complete game shutout, allowing only three hits and striking out five over five innings. Morris added three RBIs and finished with two hits, including a double, while crossing the plate once.
GAME TWO: UWA 12, UU 4
Roe got the ball in Game Two and pitched 4.0 innings, allowing just one earned run.
West Alabama opened the scoring in the first inning with strong plate discipline. Shannon's walk and subsequent advance on a wild pitch set the stage for Stanbridge and Trinity Hatcher to also draw walks, loading the bases. Carolyn Cagle drew a bases loaded base on balls, bringing in Shannon for the first run. Morris then singled to left field, driving in Stanbridge and Hatcher, giving UWA a 3–0 lead after the first inning.
In the third inning, the Bulldogs responded, tying the game 3–3. Denise Pauletich scored on a single by Sydney Scott, and subsequent errors allowed Rylee Moore and Scott to cross home plate, both unearned.
The Tigers regained the lead in the fourth inning, as Morris singled and later scored on an error. Trinity Brooks walked and scored on Shannon's double, pushing West Alabama ahead 5–4 by the end of the inning.
The fifth inning saw UWA extend its lead significantly. Parke, pinch-hitting for Brooks, hit a three-run homer, bringing in Hatcher and Cagle. This surge put the Tigers up 8–4.
After taking a four-run lead, head coach Stephanie DeFeo brought in Stanbridge to relieve Roe. Stanbridge stifled Union's offense for the remainder of the game, keeping the Bulldogs off the board while West Alabama's offense added insurance runs in the seventh.
In the seventh inning, UWA put the game out of reach with a four-run inning. Brooks scored on a fielder's choice and error, followed by Hailey Thurber scoring on a groundout by Stanbridge. Watson and Washington both hit RBI doubles, making the final score 12–4 in favor of West Alabama.
Shannon posted a strong offensive performance in the leadoff spot, recording two hits, including a double, and drove in two runs while scoring twice herself. Morris contributed with two hits and two RBIs, while also making five assists from third base. Parke made an impact as a pinch hitter by recording a three-run home run and scoring once. Stanbridge pitched 3.0 innings, allowing three hits and one earned run, while also drawing a walk and scoring a run.
West Alabama and Union will conclude their series on Sunday with Game Three set for 1:00 p.m.
