Stillman walks off with finale, but Dillard takes series in Tuscaloosa

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Dillard found plenty of offense and plenty of resolve Saturday, but Stillman used a late comeback to claim the series finale, 7–6, at the SC Softball Complex. Even with the one-run setback, the Bleu Devils left town with the bigger result: a 2–1 series win over Stillman, the reigning and defending HBCUAC Softball Champions.

Dillard looked poised to complete the sweep after building a 6–2 lead behind a decisive four-run fourth inning. Grace Hunter powered the surge, finishing 3-for-5 with three runs and three RBIs, including a solo homer in the third and a two-run double in the fourth. Jessica Battiste added two hits and an RBI, while Brooklyn Baltzell drove in a run during the fourth-inning rally as Dillard piled up 11 hits.

Stillman didn't go away, chipping into the margin inning by inning. Dillard's effort was tested by defensive miscues—five errors—that opened the door for extra Stillman chances, and the Tigers took advantage late. Stillman tied the game in the seventh and then won it in the eighth when L. Stone launched a go-ahead solo home run to left.

In the circle, Dillard's Mary-Elizabeth Landry went 7.1 innings, striking out six while battling through traffic and unearned runs. Stillman's bullpen proved pivotal: M. Otts earned the win with 4.1 shutout innings, allowing just one hit and striking out four to keep Dillard from adding insurance after the early outburst.

Stillman matched Dillard with 11 hits, led by A. Erwin (3-for-5, two runs, RBI) and A. Lumpkin (2-for-2 with two RBIs and a sac fly).

Dillard didn't get the sweep, but the weekend's takeaway remained clear: the Bleu Devils did enough across the three games to win the series, 2–1, showing offensive punch and the ability to put Stillman under pressure on the road.

-Bleu Devils-