Season Four of the AU Softball season is nearing its final curtain and the games have become even more important. Without question, Games 23 and 24 changed the leaderboard to add some excitement to seeking a champion (more on that later). Here is a recap of the final two games of Week Four of Season Four.
Game 23: Team Urtez Gets First Win of the Week over Team Davidson 4 – 2
Credit: Jade Hewitt – Athletes Unlimited
In this case, Anissa Urtez and her team got their offense underway midway through the game. Firstly, Rachel Garcia slammed a two-run homer in the bottom of the fourth to give Team Urtez a 2-0 lead.
Next, Taylor Edwards and Tori Vidales, each had an RBI double in the fifth to go up 4- 0. Not only did Garcia shine at the plate, but she was also magnificent in the circle.
Getting it done on both sides 😮💨@raaaccchhheeell | #AUSB pic.twitter.com/9wXN7jeCBl
— Athletes Unlimited (@AUProSports) August 20, 2023
The right-hander went six innings, allowing two runs on four hits and struck out seven. Lefty Taylor McQuillin picked up her first save of the AU Softball Championship Season in the win.
The only runs Garcia allowed came from Nadia Taylor, who knocked in two runs off her double in the sixth inning. In all, Mia Davidson’s squad had just four hits and ended the week with a 1-2 record.
Game 24: Team Alexander Continued Their Dominance in 6 – 0 Shutout of Team Nickles
Credit: Jade Hewitt – Athletes Unlimited
Quite arguably, Odicci Alexander and her team were on all cylinders this week, going undefeated at 3 – 0. Also, it was their second shutout of the week as Alexander and Alyssa Denham took care of the pitching. Offensively, Team Alexander had a solo home run by Danielle Gibson to put them on the board in the bottom of the fourth.
Alexander’s squad distanced themselves in the sixth inning with an RBI single by Gwen Svekis. However, Hannah Flippen made sure the game was out of reach with a grand slam down the left-field line.
ARE YOU FLIPPEN KIDDING?! 🤯@hannahFlippen breaks this game wide open with a GRANDSLAM 💣 #AUSB | 📺 ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/ZqCLqk6laP
— Athletes Unlimited (@AUProSports) August 20, 2023
It’s important to note that Flippen hit the third grand slam of the AU Softball season. Bubba Nickles and her team managed just three hits, two of which came from Kelsey Harshman.
Meet the Captains for the Final Week of the AU Softball Season
As mentioned earlier, the leaderboard underwent a shift entering Week Five. Here, Alexander will lead Team Gold for the second straight week and third consecutive week as a captain.
Week 5 Captains 🤩
— Athletes Unlimited (@AUProSports) August 20, 2023
💛 @2seas__
🧡 @DanielleGibsonW
💙 @hannahFlippen
💜 @DenhamAlyssa #BeUnlimited | #AUSB pic.twitter.com/NbExbNIjbT
Moreover, Gibson and Flippen will be first-time captains, leading Teams Orange and Blue, respectively. Finally, Denham finds her back as a captain for the first time since Week One, leading Team Purple.
