LAKELAND, Fla. - The University of Mobile Softball team wrapped up a busy week in central Florida on Thursday afternoon, Feb. 23, ending the week with a 6-0 record against SUN Conference opponents in Polk County, Fla. The six wins on the week for Mobile extends the second-ranked Rams' winning streak to seven games, with the overall record on the year improving to 9-1. All 10 games played this season have come away from Mobile's home field.
The Rams began the six-game road trip on Tuesday, Feb. 21 with a midday doubleheader against Warner University, defeating the Royals in both games, 2-1 and 12-3. The following day, Mobile faced off with No. 23 Webber International and earned another sweep, winning 1-0 and 11-5. On Thursday afternoon, Mobile faced the biggest test of the young 2023 season, battling No. 4 Southeastern University in Lakeland, Fla. Mobile eventually hung on to win game one 3-2, with the win being the 200th win all time at the University of Mobile for head coach Alison Sellers-Cook. In six seasons at the helm of the program, Sellers-Cook has managed a 200-57 overall record.
Later in game two against Southeastern, Mobile scored three runs in the top of the eighth inning after the game remained scoreless through the first seven innings. The Rams held the Fire scoreless in the bottom half of the eighth, sweeping the fourth-ranked team in the nation.
(2) Mobile v. Warner Notables
- Mobile managed a one-run win over Warner in game one despite being out-hit, 4-3. Later, the Rams' offense exploded for 16 hits and 12 runs, while holding Warner to just three runs and three hits.
- Across both games, Jill Robinson led Mobile with three RBIs and Katie Head finished with a 3-for-6 line at the plate, recording two RBIs and working two walks.
- Caitlin McRee finished 2-for-4 in game two alone, tallying two RBIs and scoring two runs, while freshman Erin Degruise finished a home run shy of the cycle, scoring three runs.
- From the pitcher's circle, Emily Butts pitched a complete game in game one, allowing just four hits, while Brinkley Goff followed with a complete game performance of her own in the second game, allowing three hits. The two NAIA All-Americans combined for 19 strikeouts, 14 coming from Goff alone.
(2) Mobile v. (23) Webber International Notables
- In game one against Webber International, Emily Butts pitched another complete game, shutting out Webber International and allowing five hits and notching five punch outs.
- Brinkley Goff pitched five innings in the second game, allowing three hits, but walking five. She earned the win following Mobile's 11-5 victory.
- At the plate, Erin Degruise combined to finish 4-for-7 at the plate and Ashlyn Stewart drove in three runs in game two, collecting a home run in the process. Lillie Lanham recorded two RBIs in game two, finishing 2-for-4 at the dish.
- Mobile tallied 20 total hits in the doubleheader, allowing only 10 Webber International hits in 14 innings played.
(2) Mobile v. (4) Southeastern Notables
- In game one, both teams did all the scoring in the fourth inning, with the Rams coming out on top, 3-2.
- Lillie Lanham and Caitlin McRee notched two hits in game one, while Emily Butts pitched her third-straight complete game in as many days, allowing only six hits in the win.
- For head coach Alison Sellers-Cook, the game one victory marked the 200th of her career with Mobile.
- In the second game on Thursday afternoon, Mobile played their first extra inning game of the season, with Brinkley Goff pitching all eight innings and holding the Southeastern Fire scoreless.
- Mobile scored three runs in the top of the eighth inning in game two, two coming from McRee's double to left center field following Lanham's go-ahead single to start the inning.
- Overall, the Rams out-hit Southeastern, 12-9 in 15 total innings.
Statement Week
UM Softball made a statement by winning all six games played against SUN Conference opponents, four games being against ranked opponents. After Mobile's 9-1 start, the Rams have won five total games against ranked opponents, and are scheduled to play their first home game of the season next on the 2023 schedule.
Mobile will battle crosstown rival Spring Hill College next Wednesday, Mar. 1 at the UM Softball Field for a 5:00 p.m. CT start.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
