Despite solid pitching and hard work at the plate, Union’s softball team suffered a two-game sweep against #1 West Florida this past weekend at Fesmire Field.
Union’s defense was solid due to the team acting like a unit. The communication was working throughout the game to keep the score close. Pitching from Gabby Morris and company was the key to the level of defense played.
All the pitchers placed perfect balls to pop-up batters, which threw off the dynamic of West Florida’s batting.
But it was Ashley Graves, junior right-hand pitcher, that kept West Florida from running up the score. Graves was brought in during the 6th inning of the first game to relieve pitcher Parker Davis. During her pitching period, Graves had no hits and one strikeout, ending the first game.
“As I was warming up, my goal was to try and get ahead in the count,” said Graves. “I wanted to do this due to the fact, I could throw junk and still be okay. I could throw the things that they could hit but keep them inside the park. I needed to be confident in attacking the batter cause that’s when they are nervous the batter can’t hit well.”
After losing 7-2, there was some momentum going into the second game.
The beginning started off slow, but West Florida came off strong. It looked down for the Lady Bulldogs until the bottom of the 5th. Hailey Barnette, senior first baseman, hit a two-run homer to tie the game, but it wasn’t enough to start a rally for the late game.
“I thought today at the plate we watched a lot of good pitches go by and chased instead of going up there and looking for our pitch to drive,” said Kaitlyn Kelley, a freshman utility player. “This week I think we need to work on just seeing the ball. We have to swing at better pitches and go up to the plate with a do damage mindset looking to be aggressive when we get that pitch that we are wanting.”
The Lady Bulldogs travel to Huntsville to play University of Alabama Huntsville this Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14.
Photo Courtesy of UU Athletics