DECATUR, Ala. – The William Carey Lady Crusaders forced an if-necessary game at the 2026 SSAC Softball Championship with a 2-0 victory over Mobile on Saturday at the Wilson Morgan Softball Complex.
Both teams came out aggressive in the opening inning, with Mobile attempting to manufacture offense using back-to-back bunt attempts to start the game. William Carey's defense responded effectively, retiring all three batters without allowing a baserunner. The Lady Crusaders threatened in the bottom half of the inning when
Liz Cross led off with a single and advanced into scoring position, but Mobile's defense held firm to keep the game scoreless.
The breakthrough came in the second inning, sparked by extra-base power.
Kinley Hogue led off with a triple down the left field line, immediately putting pressure on Mobile. After
Jayden Sawyer drew a walk to put two runners on,
Julia Shaw delivered a clutch single to left field to score Hogue and give William Carey a 1-0 lead. The Lady Crusaders loaded the bases with one out, but Mobile escaped further damage and limited the deficit.
From there, pitching took control through the middle innings. Mobile managed scattered hits, including singles from Lillie Lanham, Miah Simmons, and Bethany Dean, but was unable to string together a scoring threat. William Carey's defense continued to shine, highlighted by a key double play in the sixth inning that halted a potential Mobile rally.
The Lady Crusaders added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth.
Albanie Fussell and Hogue reached base to set up another opportunity, and Shaw came through again with an RBI single up the middle. Although Mobile cut down a runner at third on the play, William Carey extended its lead to 2-0.
SSAC Pitcher of the Year
Jayden Sawyer took it from there, retiring Mobile in order in the seventh inning to secure the shutout victory and force the if-necessary game.
That game is scheduled to begin at 1:50 p.m.
