North Alabama secured a narrow 4-3 win over the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles softball team on April 8, holding off the home side until the final inning of Wednesday’s matchup.
The game was closely contested, with Tennessee Tech keeping pace with North Alabama, which has recently attracted attention from national polls. The Lions managed to clinch victory by scoring the winning run in the top of the seventh inning.
Jailynn Paderez led Tennessee Tech offensively with two hits, while Alina Schlageter added another. Faith Rush started for the Golden Eagles and pitched four and one-third innings, allowing three runs on four hits, issuing five walks and striking out two batters. Hannah Lange entered in relief during the fifth inning and gave up just one hit. Ella Wampler took over later but was charged with the loss after surrendering a walk and a hit that resulted in North Alabama’s decisive run.
Kaylee Snyder earned the win for North Alabama by pitching one and two-thirds innings without giving up a hit or run. Laura Leigh Wheeler had a standout performance at bat for UNA, going three-for-four with three runs batted in.
The scoring began when Gyvan Hammons crossed home plate on a wild pitch for UNA before Wheeler drove in Briley Dover to extend their lead. Schlageter responded for Tennessee Tech by bringing Ashley Capelouto home on a grounder to second base. After Wheeler drove in another run for UNA during the fifth inning, Tennessee Tech tied things up late as Bella Ochoa scored following an error and Paderez delivered an RBI single.
In the final frame, Wheeler doubled to left field to drive pinch runner Kylei Russell home after she stole second base, giving North Alabama its winning margin.
Tennessee Tech is scheduled to return to action Saturday when it hosts Southern Indiana for an Ohio Valley Conference doubleheader.
