UM SOFTBALL FIELD | MOBILE, Ala. - The University of Mobile Softball team returned to non-conference action on a chilly Thursday afternoon, Feb. 29, hosting the sixth-ranked Drovers of the University of Science & Arts for one game at the UM Softball Field. Mobile and USAO meet for the first time since last season, which saw the Drovers eliminate the Rams from the NAIA Softball National Tournament, winning two games against Mobile in the opening round. On Thursday, USAO came away with a 4-2 win in eight innings, handing the Rams just their fourth loss of the 2024 season. Mobile's overall record drops to 9-4, while USAO improves to 9-2.
How It Happened
Mobile, coming off a 4-0 week against SSAC opponents last week, saw reigning SSAC Softball Pitcher of the Week Avery Harrell get the nod on the rubber, facing off with the ace of the USAO pitching staff, Sophie Williams. In the top of the first inning, the Drovers managed one run off two hits against Harrell, recording a sacrifice fly for the game's first run. Mobile immediately responded in the bottom half of the first, however, scoring two runs to take an early 2-1 lead. Lillie Lanham drove in the Rams' first run off a single to right field before Grace Vanderford worked a bases-loaded walk. Mobile sent eight batters to the plate against Williams in the first inning.
Both pitchers settled in following the first inning as the game remained 2-1 in favor of Mobile until the fourth inning. With two outs on the board in the top of the fourth, USAO's Sierra Selfridge drove a solo home run to left center field to tie the game at two runs a piece. Selfridge's homer was her first long ball of the season.
The game remained tied 2-2 through the seventh inning, which eventually saw both teams leave runners on base. In extra innings, USAO began with a runner on second base in the eighth due to the international tiebreaker rule, but eventually saw that run cut down at the plate following a great defensive play by Gracie Vanderford. Vanderford fielded a ball hit by Malea McMurtrey up the third-base line and made a strong throw to home as catcher Jill Robinson applied the tag on the go-ahead run.
However, next at-bat for USAO resulted in a hard-hit single through the right side, which was then followed by a Mobile error to give the Drovers a 3-2 lead. One batter later, a wild pitch scored an insurance run as USAO took a 4-2 lead. Both runs were recorded as unearned runs on Emily Butts, who relieved Avery Harrell in the eighth inning.
In the bottom of the eighth, USAO's Sophie Williams made quick work of the Rams, recording a fly out, strikeout, and line out to Mobile's 3-4-5 hitters in the lineup. Caitin McRee was stranded at second as USAO earned the 4-2 win. Overall, Mobile was held scoreless through the final six innings of the game after pushing across two runs in the first against Williams. The Rams recorded just four hits, while seeing seven runners left on base. Kristen Black paced the offense with a 2-for-4 line at the plate. Avery Harrell finished with seven innings of work on the rubber, allowing two runs and five hits, while Emily Butts was hit with the loss from the circle following two unearned runs in the eighth.
Gulf Coast Invitational This Weekend
UM Softball is set to host the annual Gulf Coast Invitational next on the schedule, with over 25 teams from the NAIA competing in Gulf Shores, Ala. Mobile is scheduled for four games on the weekend, two coming on Friday, Mar. 1 and two coming on Saturday, Mar. 2, with all games being played at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex. Mobile's full GCI schedule is is listed below, weather permitting.
- v. (24) Saint Xavier (Ill.) - Friday, Mar. 1 @ 1:30 p.m. CT
- v. (20) Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) - Friday, Mar. 1 @ 3:45 p.m. CT
- v. (3) Univ. of the Cumberlands (Ky.) - Saturday, Mar. 2 @ 11:15 a.m. CT
- v. (22) Southeastern (Fla.) - Saturday, Mar. 2 @ 1:30 p.m. CT
FOLLOW THE RAMS
For complete coverage of University of Mobile Athletics, follow the Rams on social media at /MobileRams (Facebook), @UMobileRams ("X" FKA Twitter), and @umobilerams (Instagram), or visit the official home of the University of Mobile Athletic Department at https://umobilerams.com/.
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.
