OXFORD, Ala. — The University of West Alabama Softball team captured their first GSC Championship since 1997 on Saturday after defeating Trevecca Nazarene, 5-3, in the Title Game.
No. 2 UWA's (43-12-1) offense got off to a hot start, scoring five runs in the first two innings, while the star pitching duo of Megan Roe and Eleanor De Block held No. 8 Trevecca Nazarene (22-19) to three runs on five hits to capture the GSC Title.
"We are so proud of this team," said head coach Stephanie DeFeo. "They have worked hard all year for this. They played this week for each other and it made all the difference."
Roe got the start for the Tigers and pitched 5.0 innings before being relieved by De Block who finished off the job to record a two-inning save.
In the first inning, West Alabama struck for two runs. Haley Shannon singled before ShaKeria Washington followed with an RBI-double to left field, driving in Shannon. Trinity Hatcher then recorded a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Washington to propel the Tigers to a 2-0 lead.
UWA's offense did more damage in the second innings, beginning with a single and stolen base from Ella Watson. Moments later, Jessica Rose brought home Watson with an RBI-single to make it a 3-0 game. Shannon was due up next and dropped down a perfect bunt that resulted in a single before being driven home by a two-run single from Ann Marie Stanbridge. After their hitting frenzy in the bottom of the second, West Alabama led, 5-0.
The Trojans responded in the fourth inning with a two-run single by Annalise Mecklenburg, cutting the Tigers lead to 5-2. TNU added another run in the fifth, scoring on a fielding error, narrowing the gap to 5-3.
In the sixth inning, Coach DeFeo went to De Block out of the bullpen to pitch the final two innings. The senior right hander stifled Trevecca Nazarene's offense to secure a 5-3 Championship win for West Alabama.
At the conclusion of the game, ShaKeria Washington was named the Tournament's Most Outstanding Player while Ann Marie Stanbridge, Ella Watson, and Eleanor De Block were named to the All-Tournament team.
For the game, Shannon scored two runs and collected two hits, contributing significantly to the offensive efforts. Stanbridge added to the scoreboard with two RBIs on one hit. Washington contributed both offensively and defensively, tallying a run, a hit, and a double, while also driving in a run. Rose finished with two hits, one run, and one RBI, providing consistent performance at the plate. Roe pitched 5 solid innings, while De Block secured the save with four strikeouts over 2 innings.
With the GSC Championship in their possession, West Alabama receives the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers will find out their seeding on Monday at 9:00 a.m. CST during the NCAA Selection Show.
