Western Illinois University Leathernecks Women’s Softball secured a 21-5 win over Alabama A&M on Wednesday at Bulldog Field in Macomb, Illinois. The game ended after six innings due to the run-rule. This victory improved the team’s record to 3-7 for the season.
The Leathernecks started strong, scoring three runs in the first inning. Maria Luna brought in the opening run with a single to left center, Ruby Tarr scored on a passed ball, and Sophia Sanchez hit an RBI triple down the right-field line. In the second inning, Payton Brown hit a three-run home run and Tarr followed with a solo homer, extending Western Illinois’ lead to 7-0.
By the third inning, Angie Ortiz delivered a two-RBI single to right field and benefited from an error that allowed another run to score, pushing the lead to 9-0. Alabama A&M responded with three runs in their half of the fourth inning.
Western Illinois responded with an offensive surge in the sixth inning, scoring 11 runs on seven hits. Brown hit her second and third home runs of the game during this frame and finished 3-for-5 with three homers and seven RBIs. Ortiz contributed a three-run double, while Luna capped off the inning with a two-run home run.
Ortiz ended her day going 3-for-5 with five RBIs; Luna was also 3-for-5 with three RBIs and one home run; Tarr scored four times and added another homer. Pitcher Libby Spaulding earned the win by throwing three scoreless innings with four strikeouts and no walks. Lillie Wools and Audrey Clark pitched in relief for the final three innings.
Western Illinois University Leathernecks Women’s Softball competes at the NCAA Division I level as part of its intercollegiate athletics program in Macomb, Illinois. The team is a member of both NCAA Division I athletics and the Ohio Valley Conference according to its official website (https://goleathernecks.com/sports/softball). Notable players include Payton Brown, recognized for her offensive contributions.
For more information about Western Illinois University Leathernecks Women’s Softball or updates on upcoming games, visit their official website or follow them on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
