LIVINGSTON, Ala. — The University of West Alabama Softball team split their doubleheader against No. 15 West Florida on Saturday, winning Game One, 8-0, before falling in Game Two, 13-5. (28-9-1, 17-6 GSC) secured an 8-0 victory over the University of West Florida (31-9, 16-7 GSC) at University Field. UWA recorded three home runs and allowed only two hits to earn the decisive win.
UWA (28-10-1, 17-7 GSC) dominated Game One as they won via run rule, 8-0. In that game, Ann Marie Stanbridge became West Alabama's All-time career leader in RBIs as the senior hit a towering solo home run in the third inning, recording her 185th career RBI. In the circle, Megan Roe held UWF (32-9, 17-7 GSC) to just two hits to record her second shutout of the season while West Alabama hit .454 as a team.
In Game Two, the Argos flipped the script on the Tigers, scoring 13 runs on 16 hits, the most hits West Alabama has allowed this year.
GAME ONE: UWA 8, UWF 0
After a scoreless first inning, Kayla Morris put West Alabama on the board in the second with a solo home run to left center.
The third inning saw Ann Marie Stanbridge extend the lead with a home run to left field. Stanbridge's solo homer stood as the 185th career RBI which now stands as the most in school history. Moments later, ShaKeria Washington doubled, allowing Trinity Hatcher to score, bringing the score to 3-0 in favor of the Tigers.
UWA continued its momentum in the fourth inning. Morris reached first on an error and eventually scored along with Carolyn Cagle, thanks to a single up the middle by Haley Shannon. Jessica Rose stole home to further extend the lead. At the end of the inning, West Alabama was ahead 6-0.
The Tigers ended the ballgame in the fifth inning as Washington launched a towering two-run home run to win it, 8-0 for UWA.
In the circle, Roe showcased a commanding performance, allowing only two hits and striking out two batters over 5.0 innings to secure the shutout.
Washington led the effort with a home run and three RBIs, contributing significantly to the team's scoring. Stanbridge also showcased power by hitting a home run and adding an RBI. Morris crossed home plate twice and hit a home run, adding to the team's offensive output.
GAME TWO: UWF 13, UWA 5
Roe got the start again in Game Two of the day and Game Three of the series. The senior pitched 4.2 innings before being relieved by Stanbridge.
Stanbridge put West Alabama on the board in the third inning with a solo home run to left center. In the fourth inning, UWF responded with a home run by Nicole Mergen, tying the game. UWA regained the lead when La'Taviona Parke homered down the left field line, followed by Hatcher's triple and a sacrifice fly from Morris, bringing the score to 3-1 in favor of the Tigers.
The momentum shifted in the fifth inning as the Argonauts scored seven runs, including a two-run homer by Mergen and a double from Emma Brice. West Alabama added two runs in the bottom of the inning with an RBI double from Hatcher and a double from Washington. The inning ended with UWF leading 8-5.
UWF extended its lead in the sixth inning with three more runs, highlighted by a triple from Miranda Harmon and a single by Lulu Luedtke. UWA was unable to score in its half, leaving the score at 11-5.
In the seventh inning, UWF added two additional runs, capitalizing on a West Alabama error. The Tigers were unable to mount a comeback as they fell, 13-5 to the Argonauts.
West Alabama will be back at home on Wednesday for a midweek doubleheader against Columbus State that is set for 2:00 p.m.
