BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford softball team returned home for its home opener against Alabama State tonight. The Bulldogs delivered a dominant offensive performance Tuesday afternoon, defeating Alabama State 14-5 in a five-inning run-rule contest. With the win, Samford improves their record to 2-4 on the season.

Alabama State struck first with a two-run opening frame, capitalizing on an RBI double off Samford starter Brandy Phillips. After holding No. 7 Florida State to just two runs in her previous start on the season, Phillips allowed five runs, two earned, as she lasted 2.2 innings.

The Samford bats got one run back in the second inning when Shannon Weems blasted a solo homer down the left field line, cutting the deficit in half. The Hornets would add three runs in the top of the third inning and chase Phillips as Claire McArthur came on in relief. The freshman would shut down the ASU bats the remainder of the night, allowing just one hit in 2.1 innings of work.

The second time through the lineup, the Bulldogs' offense erupted in the bottom of the third, marking the turning point of the game. Joi Hubbard and Brandy Phillips set the table, then Olivia Shaw delivered a clutch two-run double to center, halving the deficit. Moments later, Shannon Weems crushed her second home run of the day—a three-run shot to left field—that put Samford ahead for good at 6-5. Samford continued to pour it on in the fourth, posting eight more runs to put the game out of reach. Katie Campbell sparked the frame with a two-run triple, and Brooke Wildes, Ella Nelson, and Joi Hubbard each drove in runs as the Bulldogs batted around. Shannon Weems finished with three hits, five RBIs, and three runs scored, while Ella Nelson went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate and Joi Hubbard reached safely in all three plate appearances.

The Bulldog bats combined for 14 hits, as Hubbard, Phillips, Weems, and Nelson all had multi-hit games. McArthur picked up her first win of her Samford career to move to 1-0 on the season as Samford captured the five-inning win due to run rule 14-5.

Up next, the Bulldogs remain home to host the Samford Tournament which begins on Friday. They are scheduled to face Lindenwood and Belmont twice and North Alabama once over the three-day event.

For the latest news and information on Samford softball, visit the official website for Samford Athletics at SamfordSports.com. Fans can also follow the Bulldogs on social media at @SamfordSports (Facebook), @SamfordSB (Twitter) and @samfordsoftball (Instagram).