AUBURN, Ala. – The Samford University softball team capped off the Wilson/DeMarini Classic with a split against a par of quality teams. The Bulldogs downed the University of Connecticut 8-4 in the early bird game before dropping a 13-0 decision to No.16 Auburn University in the final game of the day.

Samford (14-5) opened up the morning game against UConn (4-6) in an offensive flurry and scored four runs in the first two innings of play. Sophomore Abby Sweeney provided the fireworks for the Bulldogs as she drove three of the four Bulldog runs.

The Huskies bounced back in the fifth inning after when they forced starter Mollie Hanson (7-2) from the mound after they scored their first run of the game. Sophomore Jessica Stone came in relief of Hanson and gave up a three-run home run by Heather Fyfe which allowed UConn to tie the game 4-4.

With momentum on UConn's side Samford had to find an answer. In the top of the seventh inning the Bulldogs did what they have done a majority of the season and that's finding a way to win. The Bulldogs rallied to plate four runs on five hits and take an 8-4 lead.

Sweeney finished the game 2-for-4 with three RBIs while Caroline Wilder and Abbie Miranda each recorded a pair of hits. Freshman Karsin Spinks was the most consistent at the plate with her 3-for-4 performance.

The Bulldogs faced its' toughest challenge of the day in the final game against No. 16 Auburn.

The Tigers (21-1) potent offense jumped out to an early 9-0 lead over the Bulldogs and chased Hanson from the circle after two-thirds of an inning. Auburn plated the runs curteousy of six hits and three Samford errors.

AU went on to plate two runs in the second and third innings to cap off its scoring effort.

Samford tallied just four hits thanks to Wilder, Spinks, Taylor and Dowdy. Walters recorded five strikeouts and issued no walks in the outing.

The Bulldogs are scheduled to host Jacksonville State University on Wednesday, March 4, at 5 p.m. at the Samford Softball Field.