CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.-The Shorter Hawks Softball team continued their weekend series at the Lee Invitational with a matchup against Union University and Illinois Springfield. The Hawks dropped their first game against Union 8-5, but would bounce back with a 5-4 win over UIS.
 

UNION 

Shorter gave up two quick runs to the Bulldogs to begin the contest. Outfielder Ashton Stevens started the Hawks off with a triple to try to bring momentum to the plate. However, Shorter failed to get anyone on base as the Bulldogs held off the Hawks. 

In the second, Shorter turned it on. After a quick three-and-out from Union, the Lady Hawks scored two runs from a helpful RBI single from Olivia Wooten. Union would add a run in the third and fourth innings before scoring three more in the fifth to take the 7-2 lead.  After another run was scored by Union in the top of the seventh, the Hawks rallied late, with back-to-back RBI singles from Rylee Gattis and Lizzy Mitchell. Shorter tacked on one more run on an error, but it would not be enough as they fell 8-5. 
 

Notable Performances

Alex Hollingsworth: 2-3, R

Olivia Wooten: 2-4, 1 RBI, R

UIS

In the second game of the afternoon, both teams started slow. The Prairie Stars struck first in the bottom of the third, putting Shorter down three with four more innings of play to go. Shorter finally got on the board as BrayLeigh Leone connected on a two-run RBI double to cut the deficit to just one.

UIS responded with a run of their own in the following inning, making the score 4-2. Shorter took the lead in the fifth inning thanks to a double from Olivia Wooten and an RBI single from Alex Hollingsworth. Rylee Gattis made her presence felt in the circle, helping the Hawks close out the final two innings. A pop-up to center field ended the game as the Hawks took care of business with a 5-4 victory. 
 

Notable Performances

Olivia Wooten: 2-4, RBI, R

Rylee Gattis: (W, 1-0) 3.2 IP, 4K, 0 H, 0 R

BrayLeigh Leone: 2-3, 2 RBI

"We had the opportunity to talk and work through a lot of teachable moments this weekend, which will only make us stronger for later in the season" said Head Coach Kelsey Hogan. "I'm very proud of the team for how they continued to make adjustments and compete to finish the weekend with a win! 

UP NEXT

The Lady Hawks will return to Alto Park on Tuesday for a doubleheader against in-state opponent, Middle Georgia State, at 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. 

FOLLOW THE HAWKS

For complete coverage of Shorter Softball, follow the Hawks on social media @suhawkssoftball (Twitter), / @suhawkssoftball  (Instagram) or visit the official home of Shorter athletics at goshorterhawks.com