Southern blanks Dillard 9-0 as Bleu Devils’ bats show life in loss

NEW ORLEANS — Southern University A&M built an early four-run first inning and never let up Tuesday, defeating Dillard (La.) 9-0 in a six-inning game at Wesley.

While the scoreboard favored Southern, Dillard's effort centered on persistent contact at the plate and continued pressure on the bases despite coming up empty in the run column. The Bleu Devils collected seven hits—nearly doubling Southern's total of four—but couldn't deliver the timely knock to break through.

Dillard's best offensive stretch came through consistent singles and line drives up and down the order. Jessica Battiste was the standout, going a perfect 3-for-3 from the three spot to account for nearly half of Dillard's hits. Kyiera Torrence, Haley Weatherspoon, Sa'Vya Sutherland, and Amayiah Franklin each added hits, and Weatherspoon also reached via walk and stole a base as Dillard tried to manufacture offense.

The missed opportunity was situational: Dillard left eight runners on base and struck out only four times, but couldn't string together the extra hit needed to cash in.

In the circle, Mary-Elizabeth Landry went the distance for Dillard, throwing all six innings. Southern's line—nine runs (six earned) on four hits—was amplified by control trouble and defensive miscues behind her. Landry issued five walks, hit two batters, and was charged with two wild pitches, while Dillard committed three errors—all attributed to the catcher position in the box score—extending innings and creating extra scoring chances.

Southern's biggest blow came in the first inning when Laila Clark launched a two-run home run to make it 4-0. Clark finished with two RBIs, while Southern also received run production from Abigail Mitchell, Asia George (RBI double), Madison Clark, a former Bleu Devil (sacrifice fly), and Izabell Astran (RBI groundout). Several of Southern's later runs came via wild pitches and unearned scoring, reflecting Dillard's defensive battle as the game progressed.

Southern pitchers Prestaisha White and Jordynn Jennings combined to limit Dillard to seven hits, working around traffic without allowing a run.

Game notes:
- Final: Southern University A&M 9, Dillard 0 (6 innings)
- Dillard: 7 hits, 1 walk, Battiste 3-for-3 
- Southern: 4 hits, but took advantage of walks, errors, and key extra-base power

-Bleu Devils-