UAB Softball Tops Terriers, 4-3

Clearwater, Fla. --- The UAB softball team played strong on both sides of the ball Sunday to defeat Boston University, 4-3. With the win, the Blazers finished the USF Invitational with a 4-1 record to improve to 13-5 for the season.

"We met the goals that we had set prior to coming down here, so it's been a very positive experience," UAB head coach Marla Townsend said. "We executed both offensively and defensively and the team chemistry was outstanding."

Boston scored Jayme Mask in the first off a double by April Setterlund to take a 1-0 lead.

The Blazers took advantage of Terrier errors in the second to come back and take the lead. Boston pitcher Cassidi Hardi (3-2) walked senior Martina Landrum with the bases loaded to bring pinch runner Tiffany Smith across the plate. Junior centerfielder Caley Walden smacked a double down the left line to score Catherine Douglass, Lauren Webster and Landrum and give UAB a 3-1 lead.

Setterlund belted her second double of the game to score Christina Valdes, and Setterlund scored off a Caitlin Rentler single to tie the game. Boston threatened another run, but a strong throw by Landrum from centerfield allowed sophomore catcher Mandy Lowman to tag out Mask at home.

Landrum started off the fourth with a base hit up the middle and stole second. UAB regained the lead after senior third baseman Cameron Skates hit a double to centerfield to score Landrum.

"This is the best possible weekend that we could have to prepare us for conference play next weekend," Townsend said. "We beat quality teams and were able to learn from all the different situations that we were put in."

UAB had a combined effort in the circle by freshman pitcher Lauren Webster and junior pitcher Alisha Smith. Webster (5-3) picked up the win after throwing four innings and four strikeouts for the Blazers. Smith recorded the save after taking over in the fifth and throwing five strikeouts and allowing no runs or walks.

Walden was an offensive force for the Blazers at the tournament, finishing the weekend with 10 hits, two runs and six RBI. Landrum also led UAB with seven hits, including two doubles and a triple, five runs and five RBI.

The Blazers return to home Tuesday to host Jacksonville State at 6 p.m. CT at UAB Softball Field.