RICHMOND, Ky. (March 30, 2024) – The University of North Alabama softball team salvaged a three-game series in dramatic fashion, holding on for a 2-1 victory over EKU in the series finale Saturday afternoon in Richmond, Ky.

UNA improved to 25-11 overall and 6-3 in ASUN play, while EKU ends a 17-game win streak to fall to 26-5 overall. The Colonels also won eight straight conference games before losing to UNA on Saturday.

Both teams entered the week among the NCAA RPI Top 100 teams.

The Lions got all of their run production within the first three at-bats, as true freshman Briley Dover hit a leadoff double to open her first game in the leadoff spot. Senior Sidney Bevis drove her home with an RBI triple, then advanced home on a groundout by Hailey Jones.

For the final six innings, EKU brought in freshman phenom Maddi Rutan to pitch. She did not allow any runs, but it was too late. UNA used a strong start from junior Cassidy Duskin, who went 4.1 innings in the circle with just one early run allowed on six hits. Duskin then moved to centerfield to make way for Alivia Wilken, who earned her second save of the year with 2.2 scoreless and hitless innings.

In poetic fashion, Rutan had the final at-bat in the bottom of the seventh, but lined out to Jones at second base to end it.

Dover had a two-hit day to lead the Lions while extending her reached base streak to 16 games.

Pitchers of Record
W – Cassidy Duskin (9-5)
L –  Lauren Narvaez (2-1)
S – Alivia Wilken (2)

Next weekend, UNA welcomes another RPI Top 100 team to Florence, as FGCU comes to Hilda B. Anderson Softball Stadium for a three-game series April 6-7.

For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.