LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama softball team is set for a doubleheader against Columbus State on Wednesday, with first pitch scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
West Alabama (28-10-1, 17-7 GSC) enters the matchup following a series loss to No. 14 West Florida this past weekend. Columbus State (27-15, 14-4 PBC), meanwhile, comes in after taking two of three from No. 8 North Georgia.
UWA received votes in the latest NFCA Top 25 poll and has found its rhythm offensively. The Tigers are now hitting .300 as a team for the first time this season, boosted by a .359 batting average in their series against West Florida. In the circle, West Alabama carries a 2.50 team ERA, led by a strong rotation of Eleanor De Block, Megan Roe, and Ann Marie Stanbridge.
Stanbridge has been one of the hottest hitters in the country. The senior has earned GSC Player of the Week honors in back-to-back weeks and is hitting .619 with five home runs and 12 RBIs over her last seven games. Her recent surge has raised her season totals to a .333 batting average, six home runs, and 27 RBIs.
La'Taviona Parke has also emerged as a consistent power presence in the Tigers' lineup. She ranks third on the team with seven home runs and fourth with 21 RBIs while batting .286. Parke enters Wednesday hitting .353 over her last five games. Trinity Hatcher and Jessica Rose have also been reliable at the plate, with Hatcher leading the team in walks (27) and posting a .484 on-base percentage, while Rose carries an eight-game hitting streak into the week.
Ella Watson, Haley Shannon, and Kayla Morris continue to provide stability in the lineup as the Tigers' offense hits its stride.
In the circle, De Block and Roe are expected to start Wednesday's games. De Block holds a 15-8 record with a 2.03 ERA, while Roe is 10-1 with a 2.79 ERA.
Columbus State enters the doubleheader riding momentum after its series win over North Georgia, having won seven of its last eight games. The Cougars are hitting .307 as a team with 30 home runs and hold a 3.36 team ERA.
Aubree Ussery, Nova Wright, and Anna Waites lead the CSU offense. Ussery paces the team with a .423 batting average, along with six home runs and 33 RBIs. Wright is hitting .370 with six home runs and 27 RBIs, while Waites leads the team in power, totaling 10 home runs and 41 RBIs.
In the circle, Khloe Shears has been the workhorse for Columbus State. The junior right-hander is 15-5 with a 2.41 ERA over 119.0 innings. Lilly Miller has added depth with a 6-6 record and a 3.78 ERA in 70.1 innings, while Hannah Deschambault is 6-4 with a 4.59 ERA this season.
First pitch for Wednesday's doubleheader is set for 2:00 p.m., with game two scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
