DECATUR, Ala. – Tennessee Southern opened play at the 2026 SSAC Softball Championship with a split on Thursday, falling to Blue Mountain Christian before bouncing back in dramatic fashion to eliminate Thomas in an extra-inning thriller at the Wilson Morgan Softball Complex.
Blue Mountain Christian 4, Tennessee Southern 2
The Firehawks were limited offensively in the opener, collecting just three hits despite taking an early lead.
UT Southern broke through in the third inning, capitalizing on Blue Mountain miscues. Cook reached on an error before Singletary also reached, and both came around to score on a series of defensive errors to give the Firehawks a 2-1 lead.
Blue Mountain responded in the fourth, using a two-run triple to take control, then added an insurance run in the fifth.
McDaniel led the offense with two hits, while McCain added a hit. The Firehawks were unable to generate additional offense, finishing with three total hits.
In the circle, Singletary went the distance, allowing four runs on eight hits.
Tennessee Southern 4, Thomas 3 (14 Inn.)
The Firehawks responded with one of their most resilient performances of the season, outlasting Thomas in a 14-inning battle to stay alive in the tournament and eliminate the Nighthawks.
UT Southern struck first in the second inning as Cook singled and later scored on Pettie's RBI single to take a 1-0 lead.
The Firehawks extended the lead in the fourth. Singletary and McDaniel reached before Pettie advanced runners, and McCain delivered a two-RBI double to give UT Southern a 3-0 advantage.
Thomas rallied late, tying the game in the seventh to force extra innings, and both teams traded scoreless frames deep into the night.
In the 14th, McCain doubled to put the winning run in motion before King followed with a single to move her to third. Moments later, Hall delivered the game-winning RBI single up the middle, scoring McCain and securing the 4-3 victory.
McCain led the offense with three hits, including two doubles, and an RBI. King added three hits, while McDaniel recorded two hits and scored a run. Pettie contributed a hit and an RBI, and Hall delivered the game-winning RBI. Cook added a hit and scored a run, while Lindsey reached base multiple times.
In the circle, Singletary was outstanding, tossing all 14 innings while allowing just three runs (two earned) on seven hits and striking out 10.
With the win, Thomas is eliminated from the SSAC Championship.
Tennessee Southern returns to action Friday, May 1, facing No. 2 seed and No. 25 Faulkner at 12 p.m. in Decatur.
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