Union Softball Celebrates Senior Day with a Series Sweep Over Bluefield

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – The Union Commonwealth University softball team (13-31, 8-16 AAC) swept Bluefield (7-33, 5-15 AAC) on Senior Night Saturday evening at Union Field, winning 14-5 in Game One and 5-4 in Game Two.

Before the game started, Union's seniors, including Gatlyn Greeson, Gabriella Carollo, Ashleigh McLeskey, Katie Fister, and Carly Cain, were all recognized for their hard work and dedication to the program.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Game 1: Union Commonwealth 14, Bluefield 5 (6 innings)

Bluefield struck first in the opening inning, using an RBI double, a two-RBI single and a steal of home to take a 4-0 lead.

Union responded in the bottom half of the inning when Savanna Higgins scored on a passed ball, and Emma Gochenour took a bases-loaded walk to bring in Kenley Vanbibber, cutting the deficit to 4-2.

The Bulldogs tied the game in the second inning as Higgins delivered an RBI single to score Taylor Kelly, and Skylar Smith followed with an RBI double to bring in Higgins and make it 4-4.

In the third inning, Union took the lead when Kelly doubled to left-center field, scoring Ashleigh McLeskey to give the Bulldogs a 5-4 advantage.

Bluefield answered in the fourth inning with an RBI single to even the score at 5-5.

Union responded with a big inning in the bottom half, beginning with a single to left field by Skylar Smith that, combined with an error, allowed Vanbibber to score. Gochenour followed with an RBI double to bring in Smith, and Kelly added an RBI single to score Elizabeth Smith. Later in the inning, Higgins delivered a bases-loaded double to score Tori Turner, Kelly and McLeskey. Higgins later scored on a steal attempt by Vanbibber, extending the lead to 12-5.

In the sixth inning, Turner delivered a walk-off RBI single to score Kelly and McLeskey, sealing the 14-5 run-rule victory for the Bulldogs.

Pitching
W: Carly Cain (2-3): 6IP, 9H, 5R, 5ER, 3SO
L: Sara Lang (0-12): o.2IP, 5H, 5R, 3ER

Notable Performances

• Savanna Higgins: 3-for-3, 4RBI, 3R

• Taylor Kelly: 4-for-4, 2RBI, 3R

• Skylar Smith: 2-for-3, RBI, R

• Tori Turner: 1-for-3, 2RBI, R

Game 2: Union Commonwealth 5, Bluefield 4

After a scoreless first inning, Union struck first when Higgins singled to right field, driving in McLeskey to take a 1-0 lead.

In the third inning, Skylar Smith extended the Bulldogs' lead with a first-pitch home run, making it 2-0.

Union added to its advantage in the fourth inning with an RBI single to left-center field that brought in Kelly and made it 3-0.

Bluefield answered in the sixth inning, using a single and a Union error to score a run and cut the deficit to 3-1.

The Bulldogs responded in the bottom half of the inning as Higgins delivered an RBI double to score McLeskey and push the lead to 4-1.

The Rams rallied in the seventh inning with two outs, hitting a three-run home run to tie the game at 4-4.

In the bottom of the seventh, Skylar Smith delivered a walk-off home run to lift the Bulldogs to a 5-4 win.

Pitching
W: Taylor Sain (6-10): 7IP, 7H, 4R, 2ER, 2SO
L: Ali Glover (1-2): 6IP, 10H, 5R, 4ER, 2SO

Notable Performances

• Skylar Smith: 2-for-4, 2RBI, 2R, 2HR

• Savanna Higgins: 2-for-4, 2RBI

• Ashleigh McLeskey: 2-for-3, 2R

Bulldog Notes

• Skylar Smith's multi-home run game marked the first time a Bulldog has had a multi-home run game and the second time that a player has had multiple home runs in a series.

• Lizzie Smith extended her hit streak to three games.

To see the Access Health Player of the Game, click here.

UP NEXT
The Bulldogs return home for their final home doubleheader of the season Wednesday, April 15, hosting Campbellsville. First pitch is set for 4 p.m., with Game Two scheduled for 6 p.m.