UAB Softball lost its final home game of the season after leading 9-3 entering the sixth inning, according to an April 26 announcement. Despite a strong start and a six-run first inning, South Florida came back with a seven-run sixth inning and four more runs in the seventh to sweep the Blazers.
The outcome matters for UAB as it was their last home appearance this season and demonstrated both offensive strengths and defensive struggles. The Blazers recorded 15 hits, their third highest total this year, but allowed a season-high 17 hits by South Florida. Seven unearned runs were given up by UAB’s defense during the game.
In the opening frame, seniors Ashlyn Shirah, Hannah Dorsett, Madeline Flammia, Carlie Wilkins, Olivia Tindell, Kaily Collett and Jaycee Holt contributed to seven hits. Shirah started with a leadoff single that led to several scoring plays including RBIs from Wilkins and Tindell. Collett drove in two more before Holt and Shirah capped off the big inning.
South Florida narrowed UAB’s lead over subsequent innings with extra-base hits including doubles and home runs. UAB added insurance runs in the fifth thanks to Antonia Henderson’s double followed by RBI singles from Dorsett and pinch hitter Allyson Smith.
The turning point came when South Florida rallied for seven unearned runs in the sixth after two outs had been recorded—helped by errors from UAB’s defense—and took control of the game with additional scoring in the seventh inning. Pitchers Hannah Cole, Caroline McLendon, Caitlin Russell, Tait Davidson and Olivia Cummings all saw action for UAB.
Notable performances included Shirah going three-for-four at bat with two RBIs while Charlee Bennett tied for fourth most walks in a single season at UAB (32). South Florida’s head coach Ken Eriksen was ejected during play.
Looking ahead, UAB will finish its regular season on the road against Florida Atlantic from Thursday through Saturday.
