COLUMBUS, Ga. - In the annual NFCA Leadoff Classic, hosted by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, the University of Mobile Softball team opened with a 1-1 day, playing two non-conference games early in the day on Friday, Feb. 16. Mobile is scheduled for five games across the three-day tournament in Columbus, Ga., with the Rams beginning the tournament with a 3-1 loss to the University of Rio Grande (Ohio). However, the 12th-ranked Rams responded with a 6-3 win over Truett McConnell University (Ga.) later on Friday afternoon to improve the overall record on the young 2024 season to 3-2.
The Basics
In the 3-1 loss the Rio Grande to open this year's NFCA Leadoff Classic, Mobile was only able to collect four hits in the defeat, with the lone run coming in the top of the third inning. Mobile's Caitlin McRee lined a single to right center field in the third, later seeing a throwing error score Kristen Black on the play.
Rio Grande relied on an early run in the bottom of the first, later adding the go-ahead run in the third. Late in the game, the Red Storm managed an insurance run in the sixth to shut the door on the Rams. Mobile's Emily Butts pitched all six innings on the rubber, tallying six strikeouts and recording just one walk. All three runs for Rio Grande were earned runs off Butts.
Against Truett McConnell, the Rams bounced back nicely with a 6-3 victory. The Bears took a 2-0 lead through the first three innings, but saw Mobile storm back in the middle innings of the game. Mobile hit the scoreboard in the top of the fourth off a solo home run from Madilyn Sheffield, her first long ball of the year. One inning later, the Rams pushed across four runs in the fifth to take the lead, three runs coming off a three-run homer from newcomer Campbell Newell.
Up 5-2, Mobile allowed Truett McConnell to get a run back in the sixth, but saw Lillie Lanham drive in an insurance run in the top half of the seventh. Lanham's RBI single in the seventh was her second RBI knock of the day. From there, Avery Harrell shut the door in the seventh as Mobile earned the three-run win.
Mobile finished the win with seven hits, led by Caitlin McRee and Lillie Lanham with two hits a piece. Brinkley Goff pitched 5 1/3 innings from the pitcher's circle, giving up the three runs and striking out five batters. Avery Harrell then came in from the bullpen and tossed 1 2/3 scoreless and hitless innings to close out the game. Goff was awarded the victory against TMU.
Saturday Schedule
Mobile returns to action in the NFCA Leadoff Classic on Saturday, Feb. 17 with two more games, starting the day off with a matchup against Jessup University (Cal.) at 2:30 p.m. CT. Later that evening, the Rams will meet Milligan University (Tenn.) at 4:30 p.m. CT. All games are played at the South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus, Ga.
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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.
