JACKSON, Tenn.- The Union University softball lost a double-header to Shorter University Monday, February 26 at Fesmire Field. Shorter won the first game 7-2 and then held on to win game two 4-3. Union is now 4-7 overall and 1-4 in the Gulf South Conference. Shorter improved to 7-6 overall and 3-1 in conference play. 

Shorter jumped to a 2-0 lead on two unearned runs in the first. Union answered with two runs in the bottom of the frame to tie the game 2-2. Sarah Smith scored on an RBI from Haley Barnette, while Samantha McDaniel scored on an RBI from Emily Bennett. Shorter jumped on the ball in the third inning scoring three runs on three hits. Shorter scored again in the fourth and the sixth innings to set the final at 7-2. Gabby Morris (3-4) took the loss as she tossed 5.2 innings with eight hits, four earned runs, and seven strikeouts. Taylor Griffin came in and pitched 1.1 innings giving up only two hits and one walk. Union had six hits in the game, led by Smith with two. 

In the second game, Shorter jumped on Union early scoring two runs in the first, one in the second to take the early lead. Shorter added a run in the fourth to lead 4-0. Union pounded out eight hits in the game, but couldn't push a run across until the sixth inning. Morris scored on Barnette's RBI double to center. Union then made things interesting in the bottom of the seventh. Bennett scored on Parker Davis' RBI, while Ashten Petty's RBI scored Rosie Red to bring the Lady Bulldogs within one run of Shorter, 4-3. Union had the winning run at the plate, but Shorter was able to end the Union rally. Union was led by Red and Morris with two hits each. Parker Davis (0-1) took the loss for Union, pitching all seven innings. She gave up nine hits and two earned runs with one strikeout and a walk. 

Up next for Union is a double-header at Young Harris College, Thursday, March 1 starting at 12 p.m.

-UNION-