Sweet Briar, Va. - The Southern Virginia University softball team played a two game series against the Sweet Briar College Vixens, dominating the first game in 18-9, and falling to the vixens 2-3 in the latter.
Game 1
Kayla Autry started the season strong with the first run scored, followed by an impressive performance by newcomer Tealor Ware, hitting a home run with bases loaded, adding 3 to the scoreboard.
Directly following Ware, Mattison Christensen, an outstanding performer from last season, launched a three run shot, capping off the third inning with a 6-2 lead.
Innings three and four consisted of a strong offensive push from the Vixens, putting some runs on the board, and upping their lead 9-6. However, the Knight's fought back and earned a six run lead in the next innings, with home runs by Sophia Badell and Katie Claytor.
The seventh inning was rounded out with an 18-9 final score, leading the Knights to an impressive win in their first game of the 2025 season.
With four home runs hit in the opening game, the Southern Virginia University softball team set a new single-game record for the first time since joining the NCAA.
Game 2
After clinching a new record and a win in the first game, the Knights fell to the Vixens in a lower-scoring pursuit. 8 hits by Sweet Briar, and 3 RBIs, ultimately led them to victory over Southern Virginia's 7 hits and 2 RBIs.
Dykell Jones made a heavy impact for the Knights right from the get go, sending Chloe Nelson home for the first run of the game.
The Knight's offense was able to hold the Vixens to an empty frame in the first inning, but after a home run from the Vixens, and a lack of response from the Knights, they were overtaken in the final frames, leaving the final score 2-3.
Through split games, Arianna Prymak and Malia Stauffer took control of the pitching mound, setting the team in a solid direction to begin the spring season.
Taylor Ware, Sophia Badell, Mateo Manuleleua, and Mattison Christensen were leaders with the offensive momentum, each with three hits in the initial game, and Ware repeating as a top performer for RBIs with four.
The Knights will resume play against the Wilson College Phoenix on Friday, February 28th at 2:30 PM in their first home doubleheader.
For the most up-to-date information regarding Southern Virginia University softball, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_softball on Instagram.
