FLORENCE, Ala. (February 26, 2025) – The University of North Alabama softball team dominated its home opener on Wednesday afternoon, making quick work of Memphis with a 5-1 victory at Hilda B. Anderson Softball Stadium in Florence.

The Lions (11-3) scored five runs in the first two innings and never looked back, as junior pitcher Katie Simon made her home debut in impressive fashion. The Wallace State transfer and Athens, Ala. native tossed 7.0 innings with just one run allowed on three hits — a late solo homer in the seventh. She had just one walk with three strikeouts.

After a three-up, three-down inning from Simon to open the game, the UNA bats went to work. Sophomore Briley Dover, senior Hailey Jones and junior Jorja Roberson all reached on free passes, juicing the bases for sophomore Bayleigh Rouse. Rouse smoked one down the left field line for a two-RBI double to give her team an early 2-0 lead.

UNA's lead grew to five after Memphis (9-7) gave up three unearned runs in the second frame. The top of the order loaded the bases with singles, including Dover, Jones and a leadoff hit from Gyvan Hammons. Hammons and Dover scored on Jones's single on a throwing error, then junior Laura Leigh Wheeler sac flied to score Jones.

Down to its final three outs, Memphis got a solo homer from Shelby Durbin, but the next three were retired on flyouts to end the threat.

Six players accounted for six UNA hits, including a single from Jones to extend a 12-game hitting streak. Senior Ryleigh Boyett and junior Katie Davis accounted for the other two singles.
 

Pitchers of Record
W – Katie Simon (3-0)
L – Taniyah Brown (3-3)
S – None
 

COMING UP NEXT

The Lions will host Oakland for a four-game series on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 28 and March 1. The Friday doubleheader begins at 2 p.m. and Saturday will start at 12 p.m.

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