DAPHNE, Ala. — The Stillman College softball team split a doubleheader with the United States Sports University Eagles on Tuesday, rallying late for a 9–5 win in the second game after dropping a narrow 7–6 decision in the opener.

Game 1 - USSU 7, Stillman 6

The Eagles struck for five runs in the opening frame, but the Tigers responded with steady offensive pressure. Stillman broke through in the fourth when Lily Stone scored on an RBI double by Anna Sullivan, cutting into the deficit.

The Tigers continued to chip away in the fifth as Olivia Hobson tripled and scored on a single by Gracie Fieldstad. Later in the inning, Fieldstad came home on an RBI single from Addison Nuspl, trimming the margin to two.

Stillman manufactured another run in the sixth through aggressive baserunning. Molly Neal, pinch running for Avary Lumpkin, advanced into scoring position and scored on a passed ball after Sullivan reached, pulling the Tigers within one.

The Tigers made their final push in the seventh. Addison Seale scored on a single by Lumpkin, and Alex Erwin crossed the plate moments later on a passed ball, bringing Stillman within 7–6 and putting the tying run on base before USSU held on for the win.

In the circle, Stillman settled in after the opening inning. Michaela Otts provided valuable relief to limit further damage, and Karli Crocker closed the game, keeping the Tigers within striking distance as the offense rallied late. Jasmine Wade (2-5) pitched 0.2 innings in the start and allowed five earned runs. 

Game 2 - Stillman 9, USSU 5

After USSU scored first, the Tigers answered in the fourth when Lumpkin launched a solo home run to right field to tie the game. Later in the inning, JaLeah Orr and Sullivan scored on a two-run double by Nuspl, giving Stillman a 3–1 lead.

The Tigers broke the game open in the sixth with a four-run surge fueled by patience and timely hitting. Makynli Kidd scored after advancing on wild pitches, and Erwin drew a bases-loaded walk to force in another run. Moments later, Stone delivered a three-run double to center field, driving in Erwin, Nuspl and Fieldstad to extend the lead.

Stillman added insurance in the seventh as Neal scored after advancing on a wild pitch and defensive miscue, and Orr also crossed the plate on a ball in play by Seale.

In the circle, Karli Crocker (three innings, two strikeouts, and two earned runs) steadied the game after the early deficit, working into the middle innings and keeping Stillman within striking distance. Faith Byram (2-5), who threw two strikeouts and two earned runs in four innings, provided relief, limiting damage late as the Tigers maintained control.

Up Next:

Stillman College prepares to host Rust College for an HBCU Athletic Conference series, starting with a doubleheader on Saturday at 1 p.m.