GREENVILLE, S.C. - The Samford softball team returned to Southern Conference play today with a doubleheader at Furman. The Bulldogs dominated both games today against the Paladins, as they captured 8-1 and 14-1 victories on the road. Samford's record moves to 21-26 after the wins and 10-4 in SoCon play. 

GAME ONE: Samford - 8 | Furman - 1

The home side got on the board first in game one, as the Paladins worked against Samford starter Makinley Turner. After surrendering a run in the second inning, Turner shut the door on the Paladins, allowing just five hits and the one run as she went all seven innings while striking out five.

Samford's offense came to life in the third inning as Olivia Shaw and Sydnie Ferrant delivered hits that drove in runs that gave Samford the 3-1 lead. The rest of the Bulldog's offense came in the sixth inning, where they scored five runs on four hits. Joi Hibbard tripled and drove in two before Brandy Phillips and Ella Nelson had back-to-back doubles to make 8-1 Bulldogs. 

Samford outhit Furman 10-5, led by Shaw who went 3-for-3 at the plate. Brooke Wildes went 2-for-2 with a walk as the Dogs dominated the opening game of the three-game set.


GAME TWO: Samford - 14 | Furman - 1

The offense continued its explosive performance in the second game. After the Paladins again scored first in the bottom of the first inning against Phillips, Samford unleashed a 14-run barrage the rest of the way.

Starting with a five-run second inning highlighted by a two-run double from Shaw. The Bulldogs put the game away with a six-run fourth inning to secure the 14-1 run-rule victory. Katie Campbell led the offensive charge, going 3-for-5 with three RBIs, while Addison Smith scored a team-high three runs as she went 1-for-1 at the plate and drew two walks. Nelson went 2-for-2 at the dish with a double and two walks.

Phillips earned the win on the mound as she went three one-hit innings, and the pitching staff, including relievers Reese Hickey and Olivia Trout, combined to hold Furman to just the one hit.

The Bulldogs look for the series sweep tomorrow as they face the Paladins at noon. The game can be seen of ESPN+ with links and live stats here.

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