South Alabama secured a 7-6 walk-off win over West Georgia on Friday at Jaguar Field, with Virginia Mambelli delivering a two-out, pinch-hit single in the bottom of the seventh inning. The victory came during the opening day of the South Alabama Invitational.
West Georgia took an early lead by scoring twice in the first inning after a hit batter and a walk set up runners in scoring position. Jenna Samuel drove in the first run with a single to right field, and another run scored when South Alabama was unable to complete a double play.
South Alabama responded immediately, tying the game 2-2 in their half of the first. Lillie Stagner singled home Gracie Dees, and Kayden Dunn added a sacrifice fly after a lengthy at-bat.
The Jaguars built their lead further in the second inning. Olivia Branstetter hit a three-run double to left center, followed by Kara Wine’s RBI single that brought Branstetter home for a 6-2 advantage.
West Georgia narrowed the gap over subsequent innings. Madison McDonald and Megan Waites each drove in runs to make it 6-4 by the third inning. In the seventh, West Georgia tied it up after Kristen Fowler scored on an RBI groundout and McDonald singled home another run.
With two outs in South Alabama’s final at-bat, Dunn tripled down the right field line before Mambelli delivered her game-winning hit. “I was just trying to find a hole, that was my approach. I just wanted to find a hole somewhere. I knew I just needed a hit. I didn’t want to try to over do it with a double or a homer. I just needed to find a hole,” said Mambelli about her approach during her decisive plate appearance.
Dunn reflected on her performance: “Coach (Kristina) McCain called time out and just told me to let it happen and stick to my approach and not try to do too much. That’s what I did.” She also commented on areas for improvement: “I felt like we hit the ball better today. We need to make adjustments at the plate earlier in the game. We’ve been making adjustments a little late, so tomorrow we just need to make them quicker in the game.”
Key contributors included Presley Lively with two hits and one run scored; Branstetter reached base three times while driving in three runs; Dunn had both an RBI triple and sacrifice fly; Samuel collected two hits for West Georgia along with an RBI.
This matchup marked their first-ever meeting between South Alabama and West Georgia softball teams. The Jaguars have now recorded four wins this spring decided by their final at-bat.
South Alabama will continue play at its invitational tournament Saturday against Loyola-Chicago at 2 p.m., followed by UT Martin at 7 p.m., both games taking place at Jaguar Field.
For more information about South Alabama softball, visit usajaguars.com or follow @SouthAlabamaSB on social media platforms.
