BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford University softball team took to the field against UAB for the first time since 2012 and pulled out a 6-1 victory that snapped a nine-game losing streak on Wednesday, March 2, at the Samford Softball Stadium. The last win for Samford came in a 3-1 victory on April 23, 2009.

"UAB is a NCAA regional tournament contender year in and year out and they have earned the respect of every opponent they play. This is a big for our program that we are able to start competing with these teams and getting the win." Head Coach Mandy Burford said. "They had runners in scoring position several times but we were able to get the big out that we needed; I'm just proud of our squad for coming through against a great UAB team. They are going to win a lot of games this year."

Samford (8-6) broke the streak thanks to veteran leadership in the circle from redshirt senior Mollie Hanson (5-3) and timely hitting from freshman Hannah Trombley.
Hanson picked up her 54^th career victory that tied the Samford school record for wins that was set by Brianne Mertens who suited up for the Bulldogs from 1998 to 2001.

"Imagine if she had been here for four full years, we've only had her for three and she's tying school records." Burford said. "That is a just a testament for how hard she works and how great of a player she is and how she goes back to work every day to make something she is not doing well even better. She's not going to leave the bullpen until she fixes it."

"She's a staple to this program and she is one that you hope every pitcher that we ever have in the future looks just like, acts just like and carries themselves on and off the field the way she does." Burford stated.

Hanson pitched a complete-game and scattered five Blazer hits which resulted in one unearned run that scored in the top of the 3^rd inning.

The run wasn't detrimental to the Bulldogs chase for success as the team found a way to plate six runs thanks in part to a 3-for-3 effort at the plate from the freshman Trombley.

The reigning SoCon Player of the Week recorded a pair of singles and her 5^th home run of the season to plate all six of the Bulldogs run during the evening contest.

"Hannah's hot and I don't want to put any added pressure on her by moving her up or down in the lineup; I really like her in the eight spot." Burford said. "As long as Callie (Brister) is going to stay at the top I like "Boo" (Hannah) where she's at so we can continue to hit Callie in."

"I really feel like the lineup as a whole is really strong because Boo doesn't have six RBIs if the three, four and five hitters aren't getting on base. She's hitting both sides of the plate very well and I'm proud of her and really happy for her right now." Burford added.

Megan Dowdy scored two of the runs for the Bulldogs as she went 2 for 3 at the plate batting sixth in the lineup while Caitlin Bice, Caroline Wilder and Kelsey Royalty each crossed home-plate during the game. Royalty pinch ran for Abby Sweeney who had to hustle down the line to beat out a fielding error out at shortstop.

Shelby Maze went 2 for 4 on the night while Brister failed to record a hit in the contest she battled in a 23-pitch at-bat to record a leadoff walk.

The Bulldogs return to action Friday, March 4, when the team welcomes Tennessee State to the Magic City for a solo contest that is slated for 4 p.m. (CST).