MEMPHIS, Tenn. (March 12, 2025) – The University of North Alabama softball team improved one of the nation's longest road winning streaks on Wednesday, using six early runs in an 8-5 win over Memphis on Wednesday in "Grind City."
The Lions (19-5) own an eight-game road winning streak, which is tied with Boise State for the fourth-longest active streak in the NCAA. Memphis falls to 12-14 this season.
Earlier this season, UNA defeated Memphis in its home opener at Hilda B. Anderson Softball Stadium, using a three-run first inning to win 5-1. In similar fashion, UNA finished the season sweep with six runs in the first two innings.
While the offense filled the spray chart with 11 hits, UNA had solid pitching from all three starters in the midweek contest. Senior ace Alivia Wilken started with 3.0 scoreless innings, earning the win in a scripted start. Katie Simon and Emily Simon combined to finish the last four innings, keeping the Lions ahead for good.
Sophomore shortstop Briley Dover shined from the leadoff position with three hits and two stolen bases. She also scored a pair of runs and had an RBI single in the second frame. Junior catcher Natalie Shaw enjoyed her first multi-hit game of the season, going 2-for-3 with a two-RBI double in the fifth inning.
Defense also decided the game — in more ways than one. Memphis committed four errors, three of which came in the first two innings for three unearned runs. UNA had just one error and turned two double plays.
The final play of the game was a defensive masterclass by third baseman Bayleigh Rouse. With one out and a runner on third, Rouse caught a line drive and applied the tag on the lead runner before she could retreat to the bag, abruptly ending hopes of a comeback. The tying run was stranded at the plate.
UNA reached all four of the first four batters, including two singles from Dover and senior Hailey Jones. Junior Laura Leigh Wheeler was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded for an RBI. A combination of grounders and passed balls allowed a 4-0 lead for UNA.
An RBI single by Dover brought in Gyvan Hammons in the second frame, then a pair of fielding errors allowed Dover move into scoring position and later steal home. UNA later led 8-1 in the fifth inning following Shaw's two-RBI single on a missed dive in the gap.
Memphis rallied back with four unanswered runs in the bottom of the fifth, sixth and seventh innings, but Rouse's catch and tag ended the comeback hopes.
Pitchers of Record
W – Alivia Wilken (7-2)
L – Lyrical Bennett (3-3)
S – None
COMING UP NEXT
UNA begins Atlantic Sun Conference play with Lipscomb on Saturday, March 15 at 1 p.m.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
