FLORENCE, Ala. (April 19, 2025) – The University of North Alabama softball team finished a three-game sweep in dramatic fashion on Saturday in Florence, as Emma Kate Wright hit a walk-off sacrifice fly to score fourth-year senior Hailey Jones in the ninth inning of a 2-1 senior day win over Bellarmine at Hilda B. Anderson Softball Stadium.
 
Following a doubleheader sweep on Friday, the Lions already had the series in hand. UNA took an early 1-0 lead in the second inning in game three, but Bellarmine had a seventh inning homer to save the game until Wright's walk-off.
 
Prior to the game, the Lions honored five seniors, including Jones, Ryleigh Boyett, Lillyanna Cartee, Grace Gregory and student manager Collin Franks. Fittingly, Jones went on to score the game-winning run to complete the three-game sweep.
 
Both pitchers went the distance in the low-scoring affair, as Alivia Wilken completed a career-high 9.0 innings in the circle. She threw 116 pitches in the effort, allowing just one run on eight hits with no walks and two strikeouts. The only run came on a homer in the seventh, as Wilken allowed six singles and a double, but no advancements to the plate from those hits.
 
Equally as strong was Bellarmine pitcher Kelsie Houchens, who allowed two unearned runs in the loss. The Lions recorded five hits, including a two-hit day from Bayleigh Rouse with a single and double. Gyvan Hammons joined Wright and Jones in the hit column.
 
Rouse's double came in the second inning bouncing over the fence for the second ground rule double of the weekend by a Lion. Two at-bats later, catcher Natalie Shaw lined out to left field, tempting Rouse to advance to third. An errant throw from the outfield moved Rouse all the way home for the 1-0 lead.
 
Bellarmine brought in a pinch hitter to lead off the seventh, who spoiled Wilken's shutout bid. However, Wilken retired nine of the next 10 batters to maintain the tie. In the bottom of the ninth, Jones hit a single up the middle to represent the go-ahead run. She was bunted over by Laura Leigh Wheeler, then moved to third on a booted grounder. Wright sailed one to deep right field, scoring Jones for the win.
 

Pitchers of Record
W – Alivia Wilken (12-6)
L – Kelsie Houchens (4-12)
S – None
 

COMING UP NEXT
 
The Lions have two more weekends in the regular season with one more home series, as EKU comes to Florence for a three-game set on April 26-27.
 
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.