After months of anticipation, Samford Softball has returned, but the Bulldogs are off to a slow start. The team currently sits at 1-4, but their most recent game, a 5-1 victory over Troy, gives Bulldog fans plenty to get excited for as conference play nears.
The first four games of the season proved tough for Samford softball, as the Bulldogs couldn’t find a win in each contest. The opening day saw two losses, an 8-3 defeat at the hands of UT Martin and a tight 1-0 loss to UNA in the nightcap. The 0-2 start is the first for Samford since 2022, in which the team finished 34-19. The reigning SoCon pitcher of the year, McKenzie Newcomb, struggled in her season debut against UT Martin, giving up five runs in four innings. North Alabama’s Aliva Wilken was untouchable in game two of the day, throwing a perfect game. The following day, the Bulldogs lost 8-0 to UNA and 6-5 to Troy. Jordyn Partain pitched a complete game against the Trojans, but it wasn’t enough, as the Bulldogs fell in extra innings.
After four straight losses, the Bulldogs returned to their winning ways in the finale of their Opening weekend, beating Troy 5-1. Sarah Squillace had a four-hit performance, the second of her career, while McKenzie Newcomb returned to her old self, throwing a one-run ball over seven innings of work.
While Samford’s start to the season in softball is not ideal, the combination of returning talent and the new faces on the team should set them up for more success as the season progresses. The Bulldogs next face Alabama State in Montgomery before heading to the UNF-JU Invitational in Jacksonville.
Sports Editor
