CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Samford University softball team spoiled UT-Chattanooga's senior day activities via a 4-3 victory on Saturday, May 2, at Frost Stadium. The win gave the Bulldog head coach Mandy Burford her 100^th career victory during her 4^th season at the helm of the program.

Samford (31-19, 10-6 SoCon) jumped out on top early after a pair of back-to-back hits from junior Megan Dowdy and freshman Shelby Maze to lead off the game. Dowdy and Maze were brought home on a two RBI single from junior Callie Brister with two outs on the board to put Samford ahead 2-0 in the top of the first.

Dowdy scored again for the Bulldogs in the top of the third after a Caroline Wilder single to left center field. Dowdy reached earlier in the inning on a lead-off single into right field.

Redshirt junior pitcher Mollie Hanson controlled the game to pick up here 18^th win of the season. The Dothan, Alabama native went the distance going seven innings with eight strikeouts to only one walk.

The Bulldogs tacked on a much needed insurance run in the top of the seventh to take a 4-0 lead over the Mocs. Senior Shelby Scott pinch hit for freshman Lexi Higgins and ripped a double to the gap in right center field. From there senior Caroline Seay pinch ran for Scott and was eventually brought home a timely hit from Maze up the middle.

The run proved to be an important one as Chattanooga came roaring back in the bottom of the seventh thanks to a three-run home run by Anyssa Robles to bring the score to 4-3. The picked up another single from Kailey Palazzolo before Hanson ended the contest with a strikeout and a pop up from Sam Taylor.

Samford tallied 10 hits in the contest with Dowdy and Maze going 2-for-4 each while Wilder, Brister, Scott, Hannah Taylor, Abby Adams and Abbie Miranda each recording a hit in the effort.

The Bulldogs will face off against the Mocs tomorrow to close out the series with a doubleheader and a chance to earn the SoCon regular season championship.