Professional softball has returned to Central Texas as the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) hosts a four-game series in Round Rock between the Bandits and the Volts. The series marks a homecoming for several local college stars, including former University of Texas players Bella Dayton and Mary Iakopo of the Bandits and Mia Scott of the Volts. The Volts’ roster also features former Texas A&M All-American pitcher Emiley Kennedy, while their general manager is Texas Longhorns pitching legend Cat Osterman.
Entering the series, the Bandits hold an 11-7 record, placing them 3.5 games behind the first-place Talons. The Volts, at 6-12, are looking to snap a two-game losing streak.
Early in the action, the Volts took the lead on an RBI single to deep left field by Sierra Romero. Jessi Warren later extended their advantage with a home run over the right-field wall. The Bandits countered with significant offensive plays, including Morgan Zerkle’s seventh home run of the season and a game-tying RBI single from Danielle Gibson Whorton.
Key moments in the contest also included a crucial bases-loaded pop-up by Delanie Wisz to end a Bandits threat and an unsuccessful challenge by the Volts on an out call at second base.
Starting Lineups:
Bandits
- Morgan Zerkle, LF
- Skylar Wallace, SS
- Erin Coffel, 2B
- Danielle Gibson Whorton, 1B
- Bubba Nickles-Camarena, CF
- Sydney McKinney, DP
- Delanie Wisz, 3B
- Mary Iakopo, C
- Bella Dayton, RF
P. Odicci Alexander
Volts
- Amanda Lorenz, LF
- Ciara Briggs, CF
- Mia Scott, DP
- Sierra Romero, 2B
- Danieca Coffey, RF
- Jessi Warren, 3B
- Dejah Mulipola, C
- Sis Bates, SS
- Sam Show, 1B
P. Rachel Garcia
