CHATTANOOGA – The UVA Wise softball team split their games in the Lee Invitational as they fell to West Florida in the first game and bounced back to down Union University in game two Saturday afternoon.
INSIDE THE MATCHUPS
Result Game 1: West Florida 10, UVA Wise 0 – 5 innings
Result Game 2: UVA Wise 3, Union (TN) 1
Records: UVA Wise (2-2), West Florida (9-1); Union (TN) ( 1-7)
GAME ONE
- In the game against West Florida, UVA Wise faced a challenging start in the first inning as West Florida scored seven runs. Miranda Harmon walked and advanced to third on a throwing error before Meg Fountain's ground-rule double brought her home. Key hits from West Florida, including an RBI single by Nicole Mergen and doubles by Emma Brice and Abigail Pippen, contributed to the scoring streak, leaving the Cavaliers trailing 7-0 after the first inning.
- The second inning saw
Olivia Shockley take the mound for the Cavs, holding the Argos scoreless with a quick three outs, including a strikeout.
Ashley Morgan managed a single, but the Cavs were unable to capitalize further, maintaining the score at 7-0.
- After scoring runs in the third and fourth innings, the Argos scored their final run on a wild pitch in the fifth, bringing the score to 10-0.
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Angelina Branch started for the Highland Cavaliers and pitched 1 inning, allowing 7 hits, 7 runs, and 6 earned runs while striking out 2 batters.
Jordan Mooney entered in relief, pitching 1 inning, giving up 2 hits and 1 earned run without issuing any walks.
Olivia Shockley pitched 3 innings, surrendering 5 hits and 2 earned runs, while striking out 1 batter and issuing no walks.
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Ashley Morgan recorded a hit in her lone plate appearance, advancing a runner in the process.
Kaylynn Baker also added a hit, contributing to the offensive effort with a runner advanced.
Taylor Clay made an impact defensively, posting three assists and participating in two double plays.
GAME TWO
- UVA Wise capitalized early with three runs in the first inning in the 3-1 win over Union, while pitcher
Chloe Murphy held Union (TN) to one run across seven innings, scattering nine hits and earning her first collegiate victory.
- The Cavs secured an early lead in the first inning.
Adyson Gibson walked and advanced on a fielder's choice by
Taylor Clay.
Kaylynn Baker's single pushed Clay to third, and a wild pitch advanced both runners. Kensi Miller reached first on an error by the shortstop, allowing Clay to score.
Taylor Noe followed with a double down the right-field line, scoring Baker and Miller, giving the Cavaliers a 3–0 lead after the first inning.
- In the second inning, the Bulldogs put runners in scoring position with a single and a walk, but a strong defensive play by the Cavs held them scoreless.
Savannah Johnson and
Mataya Ausmus contributed singles for the Highland Cavaliers, but the inning ended without additional runs, maintaining the 3–0 advantage.
- Union (TN) scored in the sixth inning when Chris Goddard's single brought home a run. Despite this,
Olivia Shockley relieved the pitcher and recorded the final out, limiting the damage. The score stood at 3–1 in favor of the Cavs.
- In the seventh inning, the Cavaliers preserved the lead, with Shockley closing out the game by striking out two and securing the final out, ensuring no further scoring from the Bulldogs. The Cavs emerged victorious with a final score of 3–1.
- Murphy pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing nine hits and one earned run while striking out one and walking one. Murphy threw 87 pitches, with 57 strikes, and recorded a groundout-to-flyout ratio of 9 to 4. Shockley relieved Murphy and delivered 1 1/3 innings of hitless relief, striking out two batters and earning the save without allowing a walk.
- Noe recorded a double and drove in two runs, showcasing a key performance at the plate. Clay contributed significantly on defense, recording five assists while scoring one run. Murphy pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing one earned run while striking out one and earning the win. Shockley secured a save, striking out two batters in 1 1/3 innings without allowing a hit.
UP NEXT
The Cavs will host Ferrum in their home opener Tuesday afternoon starting at 1 p.m. The doubleheader was originally scheduled to be played at Ferrum but was moved because of recent weather. This is Ferrum's first time playing the Cavs in Wise, though the teams have met before, in the 1978, 2008 and 2009 seasons.
