Three-Run Fifth Inning Gives UAB Softball a 3-1 Win Over Eastern Illinois

Friday, February 26

BIRMINGHAM, AL.

6:30 P.M.

UAB

5-5

Eastern Illinois

6-2

Eastern Illinois

UAB

Three-Run Fifth Inning Gives UAB Softball a 3-1 Win Over Eastern Illinois

2/26/2021 10:12:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM – After a three-run offensive explosion in fifth inning, the UAB softball team defeated Eastern Illinois 3-1 on Friday night in their first game of the UAB Softball Invite.

Parker Conrad (1-0) earned her first Blazer victory in the circle, pitching three scoreless innings in relief with five strikeouts.

After both teams traded zeros in the first three innings, the Panthers were able get on the board first, plating one run and going up 1-0 in the top of the fourth.

Faith Hegh got the Blazers (5-5) off to a hot start in the bottom of the fifth, hitting a double into center field. Olivia Valbak followed it up with a RBI double of her own, with Hegh scoring the first UAB run of the game.

The next batter, Brooke Burback, grounded out and Valbak advanced to third before a Jolie Readeaux single to center field put the freshman on third.

Jenna Olszewski then layed down a bunt, but an Eastern Illinois fielding error advanced her to third, scoring Readeaux.

Hegh ended the game with a team-high two hits and one run, while Valbak and Readeaux each had one RBI.

Amy Woodham, who started the game for the Blazers, pitched four innings, giving up three hits and striking out four.

"It was good to see our team fight and win a two-run game," head coach Joe Guthrie said. "We have to win most of our one run and two run games to win championships. We have to keep grinding tomorrow."

UP NEXT
The Blazers return to Mary Bowers Field tomorrow for the second day of the UAB Softball Invite. UAB will open with a 1:30 p.m. rematch against Eastern Illinois (6-2) before taking on Nicholls State (4-4) at 6:30 p.m.