Buena Vista, Va. – The Southern Virginia University softball team put on a thrilling display at Harvey-Dryden Field, securing two late-game victories over Shenandoah University. Katie Claytor played a pivotal role in both wins, delivering a three-run homer in Game 1 and a walk-off grand slam in extra innings of Game 2 to cap off an unforgettable performance.
Game 1:
Southern Virginia found themselves in an early 2-0 deficit, but Taelor Ware quickly answered with a two-run double, tying the game. After briefly trailing again in the third, the Knights surged ahead in the fifth inning, fueled by Sophia Badell's two-run single and a sacrifice fly from Mattison Christensen, making it 6-4.
The defining moment came in the bottom of the sixth when Katie Claytor crushed a three-run home run to deep left-center, extending the lead and securing the 9-5 victory. Abby Southern provided crucial relief on the mound, throwing three strong innings to earn the win.
Game 2:
Game 2 was a back-and-forth battle, with Southern Virginia taking an early 2-0 lead in the fifth after Sophia Badell singled and later scored on a passed ball. However, Shenandoah responded in the sixth inning with a three-run homer, swinging momentum in their favor and putting the Knights behind 4-2.
Refusing to back down, Southern Virginia fought back in the seventh, as Badell's RBI single and Malia Stauffer's clutch game-tying hit sent the game into extra innings.
Shenandoah briefly regained the lead 5-4 in the eighth, but the Knights weren't finished. With the bases loaded and the game on the line, Katie Claytor delivered in dramatic fashion, launching a walk-off grand slam to deep left-center, capping an 8-5 comeback victory.
Claytor wrapped up the day with eight RBIs and currently sits at fourth in the USA South Conference in slugging percentage (.787), continuing to be a dominant force at the plate.
The Knights will return to action against William Peace on March 22, 2025, for another doubleheader at 1:00 and 3:00 PM.
For the most up-to-date information regarding Southern Virginia University softball, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_softball on Instagram.
