GULF SHORES, Ala. - William Woods University (9-8) dropped both games on Day 2 of the 2025 Gulf Coast Invitational, losing 9-1 in five innings to the University of Tennessee Southern (7-8) and 8-7 to Faulkner University (12-3) Saturday at Gulf Shores Sportsplex.

"Tough day today," William Woods softball coach Tracy Gastineau said. "Continuing to try to find ways to improve and find consistency."

Against the Firehawks, the Owls scored one run on three hits and committed four errors. UT Southern had nine runs on 10 hits and made one error.

The Firehawks put runs across throughout the game and took a 3-0 lead after two innings. With two outs in the bottom of the first, UT Southern scored from third on an error by the third baseman. Then, the Firehawks put up a two spot in the second on a two-RBI single to left field, the last of three straight base hits with two outs - an HBP started the rally.

Responding in the top of the third, William Woods' Addie Rhea hit a leadoff single to center field, then she scored the Owls' lone run two batters later on freshman Kaitlyn Plassmeyer's base hit to left. An error by UT Southern's left fielder stretched the play, moving Plassmeyer to third base with one out. Unable to capitalize on the run-scoring opportunity, WWU grounded out and struck out to end the frame, trailing 3-1.

Like the second inning, the Firehawks had a two-run, two-out rally in the third, plating those runs on a bases-loaded walk and HBP. UT Southern increased its advantage to 6-1 in the fourth when it tripled to right field and advanced home on an error by the right fielder.

Securing the run rule with two outs in the bottom of the fifth, the Firehawks drilled an RBI single to right field, and after making it two straight base hits, WWU was short-gamed on a two-RBI double to center.

Playing in her third game this season, two-sport Owl Mariah Prince had Woods' best game at the plate, going 1-2 with a triple - WWU's only extra-base hit.

Sarah Randermann (3-5) started in the circle for William Woods and was tagged with the loss. In two innings, she struck out three and gave up three earned runs (one unearned) on four hits, four HBPs and one walk. Jessica Keilholz tossed the final 2⅔ innings in relief, allowing four earned runs (one unearned) on six hits, two HBPs and one walk.

Showing improvement offensively versus the Eagles, the Owls plated seven runs on six hits and recorded three errors. Faulkner had eight runs on 12 hits and notched two errors.

The Eagles went up 1-0 with two outs in the top of the first as a runner scored from second on an error by the center fielder.

In the bottom of the second, William Woods earned its first lead on the day at 2-1. With two outs, Rhea blasted an RBI double to left field, then scored two hitters later on Plassmeyer's base hit.

Extending their lead to 5-1, the Owls drove in three runs on back-to-back singles in the third: Prince brought in Ella Aguiar on her base hit to center field, and Rhea sent Brooklynn Spillman and Keilholz across the plate on her single through the left side.

After a scoreless fourth inning, Faulkner scored seven runs on seven hits and two errors to go up 8-5 in the top of the fifth. WWU cut its deficit to 8-7 in the bottom half thanks to Sammy Lohnes' two-RBI two-bagger to center field with two outs - Prince and Keilholz scored.

Unable to come back, the Owls were held without a run on two walks, no hits and no errors between the sixth and seventh innings.

Rhea stood out at the dish as the seven-hole hitter and in the field at first base. She went 2-4 with a double, a single, three RBI and one run on the offensive side and recorded a game-high 10 putouts with no errors on the defensive side.

On the basepaths, Aguiar, Prince and Plassmeyer each had a stolen base, while Lohnes picked off an Eagle attempting to steal second. 

Fresh off two tremendous outings out of the bullpen Friday, William Woods freshman Taylor Baumhoer (5-3) started versus Faulkner and took the loss. Going 4⅔ innings, Baumhoer punched out one and gave up three earned runs (five unearned) on nine hits and three walks. Randermann threw 2⅓ shutout innings in relief, allowing three hits and one walk.

The Owls play the last two games of their six-game weekend at the GCI against Morningside University (12-8) at 9 a.m. and No. 15 Louisiana State University Alexandria (16-2) at 11:15 a.m. Sunday.  Read Full Article