UM SOFTBALL FIELD | MOBILE, Ala. - The University of Mobile Softball team, led by seventh-year head coach Alison Sellers-Cook, began the 2024 season on Thursday evening, Feb. 8, hosting crosstown rival Spring Hill College (Ala.) in the process. Mobile, ranked No. 12 in the NAIA Softball Top 25 Preseason Coaches' Poll to start the year, defeated the Badgers 5-4 on Thursday, opening the season 1-0. Mobile and Spring Hill are scheduled to meet again in a doubleheader on Friday.
Rams Roll to 1-0
Senior Brinkley Goff, the reigning SSAC Softball Pitcher of the Year, was awarded the start for Mobile on opening day and began her season with four scoreless frames from the pitcher's circle, allowing just two Spring Hill base runners. In the meantime, Mobile was able to push across two first-inning runs, while adding a third run in the bottom of the third inning. Caitlin McRee drove in Mobile's first run of the season with an infield single to score newcomer Campbell Newell in the first, later followed by a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch to Gracie Vanderford. In the third, catcher Jill Robinson tripled to left center field to put Mobile up, 3-0.
However, things got away from Goff in the top of the fifth inning as the Spring Hill bats came alive. The Badgers pushed across three runs off back-to-back doubles to tie the game at three runs a piece. From there, head coach Alison Sellers-Cook went to her bullpen and brought in fellow senior Emily Butts.
Butts managed to keep the game tied in the fifth inning and eventually pitched the rest of the game. In the bottom half of the sixth, Mobile grabbed the lead back with an RBI fielder's choice from Kristen Black. Caitlin McRee then followed with her second RBI single of the game to put Mobile up 5-3 entering the seventh and final inning. In the top of the seventh, Spring Hill cut the deficit to one run, while advancing the tying run to third base with two outs. However, Mobile escaped the comeback as Butts forced a groundout to end the game. Mobile opened the weekend-long series with Spring Hill with a one-run victory.
Emily Butts was credited with the win from the rubber on Thursday, pitching 2 2/3 innings of work from out of the bullpen. She allowed just two hits and one earned run, while striking out a pair of Badgers. At the plate, Mobile recorded nine hits as a team, led by Caitlin McRee and Jill Robinson with two hits a piece. McRee led the team with two RBIs. Senior Kristen Black picked up her 100th-career hit as a Ram in the win, finishing 1-for-4 with a stolen base.
Headed to Spring Hill
Following the win on Thursday, Mobile is scheduled to face Spring Hill again on Friday afternoon, Feb. 9, playing a doubleheader on the Badgers' home field. Friday's two games are scheduled to start at 12:00 p.m. CT.
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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.
