JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – The Samford softball team captured a hard-fought 5-3 victory over East Tennessee State on Thursday afternoon at Betty Basler Field, opening the Southern Conference series with a statement win. The Bulldogs improved to 24-26 overall and 12-4 in SoCon play, extending their longest winning streak of the season to seven games.
Runs were at a premium early as both teams remained scoreless through two innings before the Bulldogs broke through in the top of the third. After drawing a walk, Olivia Shaw raced home on a single from Katie Campbell and a throwing error by the ETSU right fielder, giving Samford a 1-0 lead. ETSU quickly responded in the bottom of the frame with a two-run homer to deep center from Payton Moore, putting the Bucs ahead 2-1.
The momentum shifted for good in the fifth inning. With Samford trailing by one, Katie Hart reached base before Olivia Shaw blasted a two-run home run to left field, pushing the Bulldogs in front 3-2. ETSU managed to tie the game in the bottom half, but Samford's power surge proved decisive in the late stages.
Drama unfolded in the top of the seventh after Shaw reached base on a single, setting the stage for Katie Campbell, who delivered a towering two-run home run to center field—her 17th of the season and a new program record. That swing gave the Bulldogs a 5-3 advantage. In the circle, Makinley Turner continued her dominant run, striking out 10 batters in a complete-game performance and improving her record to 8-7. Turner scattered five hits and worked around six walks, stranding eight ETSU runners to seal the victory.
Samford's offense was powered by its stars: Shaw finished 2-for-3 with a homer, two RBI, three runs scored and a hit by pitch, while Campbell went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI. The Bulldogs did not commit an error and out-hit the Bucs 6-5 in a contest that featured three two-run home runs. Samford now leads the SoCon in both team ERA and runs scored in conference play and continues to gain momentum with the postseason approaching.
The Bulldogs are back in action for two games tomorrow beginning at noon.
FOLLOW THE BULLDOGS:
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 @SamfordSB (Instagram).
