HUNTSVILLE | The UAH softball team opened up the final weekend of the regular season with an 8-0 victory in five innings over visiting Union at Charger Park in Gulf South Conference play on Friday. UAH improves to 36-13 (21-7 GSC), while UU slides to 27-20 (15-13 GSC).
 
After three scoreless frames to open Friday evening's contest, Lawren Hayes broke open the scoreless tie in the bottom of the fourth with a three-run homer to right followed up by a three-run blast by Kaylee Vaught. Kylee Smith also notched a solo shot in the fourth to give the Chargers a comfortable 7-0 lead.
 
Sadie Thompson drove in the winning run in the bottom of the fifth on a single up the middle, as Caitlin Bryson started the frame with a lead-off triple.
 
Bryson finished with a team-high two base hits while plating two runs and drawing one walk.
 
Alexa Douthitt reached base in all three of her plate appearances, posting one double and two walks. Douthitt also scored one run and had a steal in the game.
 
Hayes and Vaught both finished with three RBI to lead the offense.
 
Josie Thompson was stellar in the circle for the Chargers, tossing 5.0 shutout innings with four hits allowed and five strikeouts to improve to 14-6 on the season.
 
The Chargers are now 15-0 at home in the 2024 campaign.
 
The UAH softball program will honor departing seniors Caitlin Bryson, Jessica Edde, Laura Harbin, Grace O'Berry, Josie Thompson, and Kaylee Vaught prior to the first game of Saturday's doubleheader at 1 p.m.