Blazer Softball Splits Doubleheader With USF

Saturday, March 23

Birmingham, AL

1 p.m.

UAB

12-17, 3-4

USF

23-11, 3-4

USF

UAB

Blazer Softball Splits Doubleheader With USF

3/23/2024 7:31:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

BIRMINGHAM – UAB Softball concluded the USF doubleheader on Saturday with a 4-6 loss, followed by a 6-4 win. The Blazers now sit at a record of 13-17 overall and 4-4 in conference play. The Blazers totaled 18 hits on 10 runs in the split.

UAB collected its first win over USF at Mary Bowers since 2005. The Blazers and Bulls sit at a record of 10-17 in favor of South Florida.

IN THE BOX

GAME ONE: UAB 4, USF 6
The game began with South Florida jumping out early, striking first after a 2RBI homer and RBI single to lead 3-0. The Blazers went cold before going on a defensive run to hold USF to three runs in the top of the third before a hitting rally began in the bottom of the inning.

Sophomore Hannah Miles and Georgia Tech transfer Auburn Dupree ignited a two-run scoring rally, tallying three hits on two runs to trail by one. The Blazers and Bulls went back and forth before a fifth-inning scoring run from the Bulls put USF ahead 5-2 after an RBI double and sacrifice bunt. The Blazers put up hits of their own in the bottom of the fifth but were unable to cross home plate.

The final two innings saw offensive adjustments for the Blazers, entering Carlie Wilkins for Makenzie Droddy, and sending a base hit up the middle. Hannah Miles drew a walk, putting UAB in scoring position. Though the sixth inning left two runners on base, the offensive run continued into the bottom of the seventh, with a single and fielder's choice to put UAB within reach of home plate.

Olivia Valbak delivered the scoring hit to send Lindsey Smith and Bella Wiggins across home. However, the Blazers were unable to maintain the scoring run and fell 4-6.

GAME TWO: UAB 6, USF 4
The Blazers continued off the momentum from the previous game, opening up the bottom of the first with a bunt single from Dupree. Dorsett followed, and Wiggins went on to deliver the RBI single. Valbak followed up with her base hit, sending Dorsett across home and giving UAB the 2-0 lead. Alyssa Aguilar sent one more base hit RBI, putting the Green and Gold ahead 3-0.

With the second game mirroring the first, the Bulls responded with a two-run home run to trail by one run, but the Blazers kept their distance with a scoring rally in the bottom of the second inning complete with three hits and a stolen base to lead 5-2. USF responded with a single and a homer in the top of the third to get within one. However, UAB added a run in the bottom of the third to push USF back by two.

The remaining innings saw hits between the Blazers and Bulls, but both teams left a collective three runners on base. The Blazers finished the afternoon with a 6-4 victory and split the series a game apiece between the two.

IN THE BOX

Olivia Valbak and Auburn Dupree finished with multi-hit games in the first game of the day.
The Green and Gold totaled 10 hits in the second game versus USF. Bella Wiggins and Lindsey Smith both finished with two hits apiece.
Both Valbak and Wiggins finished with three RBIs.
Wiggins would also lead the team in stolen bases with two. Smith followed behind with one stolen base in the first game.
In the circle, Leigha Kirby and Valbak struck out a combined nine batters.

UP NEXT
UAB faces USF for the series finale, taking on the Bulls for the series-clinching game of the weekend. The teams will play at 11 am on Sunday, March 24.

2023-24 GOLD CARD
You can support UAB Softball all season by purchasing Season Tickets. Tickets are available by purchasing the 2023-24 Gold Card for 65 dollars. The 2023-24 Gold Card will get you access to all home events for Women's Soccer, Men's Soccer, Volleyball, Women's Basketball, Softball, and Baseball (Regions Field & Young Memorial). This card is not valid for AAC or NCAA Championship events.

Fans can purchase tickets here.

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