PENSACOLA, Fla.-The Delta State University Lady Statesmen (2-2) softball team could not capitalize on late inning opportunities in game two versus the St. Leo Lios (5-5), but did come away with a two game split Sunday at the GSC/SSC Crossover in Pensacola.

In game one, offense was at a premium until the fifth inning, when the Lady Statesmen exploded for three runs. Christina Hunter led off the top of the fifth with a double to left field, which was only the third hit of the game for DSU.

Following a sacrifice bunt by Lauren Lewis, Crista Richard doubled home Hunter, giving DSU the 1-0 lead. Taylor Hughes wasted no time depositing the first offering she saw over the left field fence, giving the Lady Statesmen a 3-0 edge.

Victoria Combs held the Lions hitless through five innings, but SLU caught on to the freshman pitcher in the bottom of the six, exploding for two runs on four hits.

DSU was able to push across an insurance run in the top of the seventh, taking advantage of two SLU errors in the inning. Richard scored on an error by the third baseman off the bat of Marisa Sanders.

Combs (2-0) continued her solid pitching, retiring the Lions in order to preserve the win.

The freshman went the distance, allowing two runs on four hits.

Megan Still (4-2) took the loss for the Lions. The sophomore allowed three earned runs on six hits.

Hunter (2-for-3) was the only player with multiple hits. Emily Todd and Lewis each added a double in the win.

In game two, Saint Leo wasted no time scratching the scoreboard when Elysha Agen hit a leadoff homerun against DSU starting pitcher Sara Davis.

DSU responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the second, taking a 2-1 lead after a throwing error and an RBI base hit by Lewis.

That one run cushion lasted one more inning, when in the top of the fifth, the Lions responded with a two run homer from Brittany Yates to take a 3-2 lead.

In the bottom of the fifth, Richard stole second with one out, but could not be driven in by the hot bat of Hughes or Maggie Jackson.

The Lady Statesmen didn't go quietly. Still down 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh, Raina Stiffler led of the bottom of the seventh with a base hit.

Pinch runner Angela Carden advanced to second on a wild pitch. With the tying run at second, and no one out, Still forced three straight pop outs to finish the game.

Sara Davis (0-1) took the loss for the Lady Statesmen. The Marion Military transfer went 4.2 innings, and allowed three runs on nine hits. Brittany Gonzales worked the other 2.1 innings, and allowed two hits.

Ashton Whidden (1-2) earned the win for SLU. Whidden allowed two runs on six hits in six innings of work.

Agen and Yates led the way for the Lions at the plate, going 3-for-3 and 2-for-4 respectively.

Stiffler was the only player with multiple hits for DSU, going 2-for-3. Lewis was 1-for-2 with an RBI.


The Lady Statesmen return to action on Friday, Feb. 18 in Decatur, Ala., for the opening games of the UAH Charger Chillout against Georgia College and State in game one and Quincy.

First pitch is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. The games will be carried live on GoStatesmen.com.