JACKSON, Tenn. – On Mar. 2, the Union University softball team split their doubleheader with Valdosta State University. Union lost game one 4-3 but rallied to win game two 6-5. After the two games, the Lady Bulldogs are now 14-6 overall (6-2 GSC), and the Blazers are 13-9 overall (6-2 GSC).
In game one, Union jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead when Courtney Marler grounded out in the first to drive in Macey Neal. Macey hit an RBI single in the third to make the score 2-0. However, the Blazers answered in the fourth inning with a solo homerun by Aniston Gano and in the sixth inning with a three-run homer by Saylor McNearney. Morgan Jennings crushed a bomb of her own in the top of the seventh, but it was not enough as Union would ultimately fall by one run.
Union’s offense combined for three runs on eight hits. Three Lady Bulldogs had multiple hits, including Jennings going 2-4, Neal going 3-4, and Mallory Hildebrand going 2-3.
Lainey Baker started for Union, pitching six innings and giving up four runs on five hits while striking out 13 Blazers. She took the loss, bringing her record to 5-3 overall.
In game two, the Lady Bulldogs struck first once again. In the top of the first, Marler singled to score Jennings, and Zoey Neal followed with a three-run jack to left center. Abby Sulte and Gano each hit a two-run homer for Valdosta in the bottom of the first to tie the game up at four a piece. The Blazers broke the tie in the fourth when pinch hitter Lexi Patterson hit a solo shot. After that, Union was able to hold Valdosta and stay in the game. In the seventh, the Lady Bulldogs took back the lead. Marler hit an RBI double to tie the game, and Mackenzi David hit an RBI single to give Union a 6-5 lead. The Lady Bulldogs were able to hold Valdosta in the bottom of the inning to solidify the win.
Marler led Union in hits, going 3-4 in the game. Five players had one hit each, including Camryn Langley, Jennings, Zoey Neal, David, and Hildebrand. Zoey Neal led in RBIs with three, and Marler followed close behind with two.
Addison Abell got the start in the circle for Union, throwing four innings of five-run, five-hit ball and striking out four Blazers. Riley Vaughn pitched three scoreless innings in relief, giving up only two walks and striking out seven. Vaughn got the win, bringing her record to 4-0.
Up next, the Lady Bulldogs look to take the series from Valdosta on Mar. 3. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. central standard time.
