Union University softball opened Gulf South Conference play on Friday, Feb. 20, sweeping Delta State University in a doubleheader, 8-6 and 10-6, at Fesmire Field.
The Lady Bulldogs combined for 18 runs on 22 hits across the two games, earning back-to-back victories to begin conference play.
Union responded quickly in the opener after Delta State struck first with a solo home run in the top of the second inning. The Lady Bulldogs answered with five runs in the bottom half, highlighted by Courtney Marler’s two-RBI single and Chloe Jones’ two-run bomb. Union added a run in the third before extending its lead in the fifth behind Sydney Scott’s RBI triple and a sacrifice bunt from Mallory Hildebrand.
Emily Claire Felder earned the win in game one, pitching 4.2 innings, while Riley Vaughn closed out the final two innings to secure the save for the Lady Bulldogs.
Hildebrand, a senior family studies and pre-child life major, said the team’s ability to stick to their approach is what helped them carry momentum into the second game.
“I think the biggest thing that helped our team was just to continue with the plan we had,” Hildebrand said. “That was to keep working on the pitchers we had seen by having quality at-bats and to have each other’s backs no matter what on the field.”
Union carried that approach into the second game, scoring three runs in the first inning and four more in the second to take control early. Scott delivered a two-RBI triple and Ella Joy Bragan added a two-RBI double as the Lady Bulldogs built a 7-0 lead.
Union continued to pour it on, stretching the lead to 10-1 in the third inning, never letting off the gas despite a late push from Delta State. Marler recorded two extra-base hits and Hildebrand stayed hot, going 3-4 with an RBI as Union totaled 13 hits in the second game.
Rylee Moore went the distance, striking out five over seven innings to earn the win.
Abby Proctor, a junior nursing major in attendance, said Union’s emphasis on execution stood out.
“I felt they really emphasized moving runners and staying disciplined in their at-bats,” Proctor, a lifelong softball fan, said. “Whether that’s laying down a bunt or battling in a full count, everyone’s buying into doing their job.”
Looking ahead, Hildebrand said the team’s focus remains building off the work put in since the fall.
“The biggest thing I want us to carry into the season is to build on the work that we have put in since August and play to our potential,” she said. “I want us to be able to buckle down, put our foot on the gas no matter what’s going on and finish the game strong like we know how to.”
Union will travel to Mississippi College next weekend as conference play continues.
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