OXFORD, Ala. — A Jessica Rose walk-off Sacrifice Fly in the ninth inning propelled the University of West Alabama Softball team to a 3-2 victory over Valdosta State in the Opening Round of the GSC Tournament on Wednesday.
UWA (40-12-1) got another stellar start from Eleanor De Block who pitched all 9.0 innings, allowing just three hits and no earned runs on the afternoon. Offensively, ShaKeria Washington led the way with a two-run homer to help the Tigers move past VSU (24-25).
Valdosta State took an early lead in the first inning with Saylor McNearney scoring on a fielding error before a Rachel Lee RBI-single, putting the Blazers ahead, 2-0.
West Alabama responded in the second inning when ShaKeria Washington homered to left field, bringing in Ella Watson, who was hit by a pitch. This tied the game at 2–2 by the end of the second inning.
The game remained tied through the subsequent innings, with both teams unable to break the deadlock.
The Tigers threatened to walk it off in bottom of the seventh. Trinity Hatcher, Washington, and La'taviona Parke all drew walks to load up the bases with one out. VSU's Alyssa Vallad worked her way out of the jam, forcing a popup before recording a strikeout to progress the game to the eighth.
In the bottom of the ninth, the Tigers capitalized on a walk by Ella Watson, who then advanced on Washington's single. Rose then came up to the plate and hit a ball to left field that was deep enough to score Watson, the winning run, to win the game for UWA.
Washington delivered a powerful performance, hitting a home run and driving in two runs. De Block was dominant in the circle, pitching a complete game and striking out six batters.
West Alabama advances in the winner's bracket and will now play No. 3 AUM on Thursday. The matchup between the Tigers and Warhawks will be the fifth game of the day on Thursday. The start time will vary but is set for approximately 6:00 p.m. at Choccolocco Park.
