LIVINGSTON, Ala. — The University of West Alabama Softball team swept their Friday Doubleheader against Valdosta State, winning Game One, 5-1, and taking Game Two, 4-3, over Valdosta State University on Friday afternoon to extend their win streak to five.
The day was highlighted by
Eleanor De Block who led UWA (16-4-1, 7-1 GSC) from the circle, striking out nine VSU (9-9, 5-3 GSC) batters while allowing only two hits across seven innings in Game One.Offensively, the Tigers hit four home runs on the day, contributing significantly to their two wins.
GAME ONE: UWA 5, VSU 1
West Alabama secured a 5-1 victory over Valdosta State with consistent performance throughout the game. In the second inning,
ShaKeria Washington hit a home run to left center, putting the Tigers on the scoreboard.
In the third inning, a sacrifice fly by
Ann Marie Stanbridge allowed
Jessica Rose to score, extending West Alabama's lead to 2-0 as the game progressed to the fourth.
A key moment in the game came in the sixth inning where La'Taviona Parke launched a three-run home run to center field to put UWA up, 5-0, at the end of the sixth. The Blazers managed to score their only run in the seventh inning with a solo home run by Chloe Eichelberger. However, the Tigers' defense and pitching held strong, concluding the game with a final score of 5-1.
Parke led the offense with two hits, including a home run, and drove in three runs. Washington added to the power display with her own homer, collecting one RBI and scoring once. De Block pitched a complete game, striking out nine batters and allowing only two hits over seven innings.
Haley Shannon contributed at the plate, recording two hits in three at-bats.
GAME TWO: UWA 4, VSU 3
In Game Two, West Alabama capitalized with two home runs, contributing to its five total hits, while the Blazers managed 10 hits but left 11 runners stranded.
Valdosta State took an early lead in the second inning when Carly Bogart homered to left center, putting them ahead 1-0.
UWA responded in the third inning as
Trinity Hatcher hit her third homer of the year to tie the game at one. West Alabama continued to flex their muscle at the plate in the following inning with
Ella Watson hitting her sixth home run of the year to put the Tigers in front, 2-1.
UWA held their one run lead until the sixth inning when VSU jumped back in front. Valdosta State's Saylor McNearney singled to center field, driving in two runs, with one run unearned, making it 3-2 for the Blazers.
However, West Alabama mounted a comeback in the seventh inning.
Jessica Rose singled, followed by Hatcher being hit by a pitch.
Haley Shannon then singled to center field, scoring Rose. A passed ball allowed Hatcher to score as the Tigers walked off the Blazers to secure the win and the doubleheader sweep.
Watson contributed significantly with a home run, driving in one run and scoring once. Hatcher also delivered a powerful performance, hitting a home run, driving in one run, and scoring twice, while also securing a stolen base. Rose added to the offensive efforts with one hit and scored a run, while showcasing her defensive skills with three assists.
West Alabama will conclude their series with Valdosta State on Saturday at 12:00 p.m.
