LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama softball team heads back on the road this weekend for a three-game series against the Lee Flames in Cleveland.
The series is set to begin with a Saturday doubleheader at 12:00 p.m. CST, with the finale scheduled for Sunday at 12:00 p.m. CST.
West Alabama enters the weekend after sweeping a midweek doubleheader against a talented Columbus State squad. Lee also comes in with momentum after sweeping Tusculum in its midweek doubleheader.
After allowing 26 runs against West Florida last weekend, UWA's pitching staff bounced back with a stellar performance against the Cougars on Wednesday. Entering that matchup, Columbus State held a team batting average above .300, but West Alabama limited them to just one run over 14 innings. The standout duo of Eleanor De Block and Megan Roe shined once again and carry that momentum into the weekend.
De Block now holds a 15-8 record with a 1.91 ERA. The senior is limiting opposing batters to a .174 average, which leads the GSC, and ranks fourth in strikeouts with 117. Roe sits at 11-1 with a 2.59 ERA, as the right-hander continues her career season and looks to solidify an All-GSC selection down the stretch.
As a team, the Tigers boast a 2.37 ERA, while the offense is hitting .296.
Ann Marie Stanbridge and Ella Watson lead the way offensively. Stanbridge has earned back-to-back GSC Player of the Week honors and is batting .333 with six home runs and 27 RBIs. She has recorded two hits in three of the last four games entering the weekend. Watson has been one of the most complete hitters in the lineup, leading the team with 11 home runs while posting a .330 batting average and 30 RBIs.
Additionally, Kayla Morris continues to make a strong case for GSC Freshman of the Year award, while Haley Shannon remains a tough out in the leadoff spot. Jessica Rose and Trinity Hatcher have stayed hot toward the bottom of the order, and La'taviona Parke continues to provide power in the DP role.
Lee has traditionally been one of the top hitting teams in the GSC, but this season has been different. The Flames are batting .272 as a team, their lowest mark in over a decade. In the circle, Lee ranks near the bottom of the conference with a 4.86 team ERA.
Despite the dip in production, the Flames still feature five players hitting over .300. Jarvi Alyson is the most dangerous bat in the lineup, leading the team with 11 home runs while hitting .300. Freshman Sadie Winsett is putting together an impressive debut season, batting .302 with eight home runs and a team-high 31 RBIs. Hailey Simco adds a dynamic presence with a .314 average, seven home runs, 26 RBIs, and 26 stolen bases.
Katie Hastings and Eva Armstrong are also hitting above .300 as Lee's top-five hitters looks to carry the Flames against UWA's elite pitching staff.
In the circle, Layne Bailey and Kaylee Underwood have logged the most innings. Bailey holds a 3-7 record with a 4.20 ERA, while Underwood is 6-10 with a 5.03 ERA.
West Alabama heads to Cleveland with a chance to officially clinch a spot in the GSC Tournament, while Lee is still battling to secure its postseason position.
First pitch for Saturday's doubleheader is set for 12:00 p.m. CST, with Sunday's finale also scheduled for 12:00 p.m. CST.
