Xavier University of Louisiana Softball Opens Fifth Season wiht Dominant Doubleheader Wins
MILLINGTON, Tenn. — The Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) Gold Nuggets kicked off their fifth season of varsity softball in spectacular fashion, securing two hard-fought victories against NCAA Division II LeMoyne-Owen on Saturday. The Gold Nuggets triumphed 6-4 in the first game and 9-7 in the second, showcasing their offensive firepower and pitching depth.
Freshman left fielder Miya Covington emerged as a standout performer, delivering five hits, including two doubles, and driving in four RBIs across both games. The XULA pitching staff also made a strong statement, striking out 16 batters while allowing just three strikeouts in 14 innings. Essynce Wallace, making her Gold Nuggets debut, struck out five in three innings as the first-game starter.
The Gold Nuggets’ offense was relentless, outhitting LeMoyne-Owen 30-11. This dominance at the plate set the tone for their season opener and highlighted the team’s depth and versatility.
Game 1: A Comeback Victory
XULA found themselves trailing 3-0 after two innings but rallied with two runs in the third and four in the fourth to take control. Covington led the charge with three hits, while Madison Winston, Amireeya Malveaux, and Kiera Evans each contributed two hits. Newcomer Arin Dale made an immediate impact, driving in two runs.
On the mound, reliever Maia Tyler secured the win, and fellow newcomer Adrianna Phillips closed out the game with a scoreless seventh inning for the save.
Game 2: Offensive Explosion
The Gold Nuggets continued their offensive onslaught in the second game, scoring in each of the first four innings to build a 6-2 lead. Despite a three-run surge by LeMoyne-Owen in the fifth, XULA responded with three runs in the seventh to seal the victory.
Kiera Evans was unstoppable, going 4-for-4 with a double and a triple. freshman Destiny Lavigne added three hits, while Covington, Malveaux, and Shay Angelle each contributed two hits. Covington drove in three RBIs, and Evans and freshman Aaliyah Brown each added two RBIs.
For LeMoyne-Owen, Ziay Graves stood out with two hits, including a triple, and two RBIs. Freshman Jayda Martin, the second of three XULA pitchers, earned the win.
Looking Ahead
The Gold Nuggets will next face NCAA Division I Alcorn State in a doubleheader on February 21 at 1 p.m. This matchup will be another test for XULA as they continue their season.
Key Highlights
| Statistic | Game 1 | Game 2 |
|————————|————|————|
| Final Score | 6-4 | 9-7 |
| Hits | 12 | 18 |
| Strikeouts (XULA) | 8 | 8 |
| Top Performer | miya Covington (3 hits, 2 RBIs) | Kiera Evans (4-for-4, 2 RBIs) |
The Gold Nuggets’ season opener was a testament to their resilience and talent. With a mix of experienced players and impactful newcomers, XULA is poised for a promising season. Stay tuned for more updates as they continue their journey on the diamond.
