In a thrilling series that has captured the attention of softball fans this July, the Volts and Bandits have been battling fiercely in the Athletes United Softball League (AUSL), with both teams showcasing powerful offenses and resilient pitching staffs. The latest encounter on July 20, 2025, in Round Rock saw the Volts edge out the Bandits 7-5, preventing a sweep and keeping the season's excitement alive as the postseason looms.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by clutch hits, defensive miscues, and a showcase of home run power from both sides. The Bandits, who had already clinched their spot in the AUSL Championship Series with a previous 8-7 win on July 18, entered Sunday's matchup looking to consolidate their momentum. However, the Volts were determined to fight back after a tough start to the season, holding a 7-15 record before the game, compared to the Bandits' stronger 14-8 standing.
The second inning set the tone for the Volts' comeback. Bandits starter Emiley Kennedy found herself in a jam after walking two batters and allowing a single, loading the bases. A dribbler from Danieca Coffey, a former LSU Tiger known for her speed, turned chaotic when Kennedy's throw went awry. The ball sailed over first baseman Erin Coffel, who was covering the bag, and an overthrow at home allowed Coffey to score a makeshift grand slam—an unorthodox but game-changing moment that electrified the Volts and their fans.
Following that, Tiare Jennings, an Oklahoma alumna, simplified the Volts' offensive surge with a solo home run to right field, adding to her RBI single earlier in the game. Jessie Warren, another key contributor, launched a homer in the fifth inning, further pressuring the Bandits' defense. Despite these offensive bursts, the Bandits struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, managing only three chances without a hit when runners were in scoring position, a stat that ultimately hurt their chances to close the gap.
On the pitching front, the Volts' quartet of Rachel Garcia, Payton Gotshall, Samantha Show, and Sam Landry combined to allow just seven hits, showcasing effective control and resilience under pressure. Garcia, a former UCLA pitcher, has been a standout all season, and her performance in this game was no exception, contributing to the Volts' ability to keep the Bandits at bay despite the latter’s power hitting.
Speaking of power hitting, the Bandits weren't silent on the scoreboard. Skylar Wallace, the team's shortstop, continued her home run barrage with a two-run homer in the first inning and another two-run blast in the bottom of the seventh. Delanie Wisz also added a solo shot in the sixth inning, demonstrating the Bandits' persistent threat from the plate. However, these efforts were not enough to overcome the Volts' timely hitting and defensive plays.
The AUSL standings reflect the competitive nature of this season. The Talons lead with a 17-5 record, followed by the Bandits at 14-8. The Volts and Blaze trail behind with 7-15 and 6-16 records, respectively. Both the Talons and Bandits have secured their spots in the upcoming AUSL Championship Series, set to begin on July 26, 2025, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The Volts and Blaze will aim to finish strong in the regular season's final games, with the Volts facing the Talons in a two-game series in Tuscaloosa, while the Bandits take on the Blaze in Rosemont.
Reflecting on the Bandits' clinching win on July 18, head coach Stacey Nuveman-Deniz praised her team's offensive resilience, saying, "I was really proud of the offense, they kept us in it. We had runners on consistently... but once we got going, (Volts) couldn't come up for air." That game was a slugfest, with the Bandits edging out the Volts 8-7 in a matchup that featured five lead changes and a barrage of home runs.
The Bandits' comeback in that game was sparked by left fielder Morgan Zerkle's seventh home run of the season in the third inning, followed by Danielle Gibson Whorton's RBI single to tie the game. The pitching duel was intense, with the Volts throwing 158 pitches across three pitchers compared to the Bandits' 128. Both teams recorded five strikeouts, but the Volts' five walks contrasted sharply with the Bandits' single walk, highlighting the latter's disciplined approach at the plate.
In a notable pitching change, the Bandits replaced Odicci Alexander with Emiley Kennedy in the third inning, who immediately faced adversity by giving up a solo home run to Amanda Lorenz. Nevertheless, the Bandits rallied, scoring three runs in the fourth inning to take a 5-3 lead. The Volts responded in the fifth with a two-run single by Ciara Briggs and an RBI double from Erika Piancasetlli, briefly reclaiming the lead at 6-5.
Skylar Wallace's pivotal three-run homer in the sixth inning put the Bandits back ahead 8-6. Wallace described her at-bat, saying, "At that at-bat, I was thinking 'hit a line drive' and she still has to throw a strike. I was just trying to keep it really simple, I'm trying to hit gap to gap, and luckily, I just got enough of that one to stay fair and over the fence." Despite Amanda Lorenz's second home run in the bottom of the sixth bringing the Volts within one run, the Bandits held on for the victory.
Throughout the season, the rivalry between the Volts and Bandits has intensified, with their five meetings showcasing strategic adjustments and fierce competition. Texas softball alumna Bella Dayton contributed significantly with two hits and a run scored in the July 18 game, while catcher Mary Iakopo's defensive prowess was evident with four putouts. Texas A&M alumna Emiley Kennedy pitched 1⅔ innings, striking out two and conceding five hits, underscoring the depth of talent on both rosters.
Looking ahead, the Bandits and Volts are scheduled to face off again at 7 p.m. on July 22, 2025, at Dell Diamond, promising more high-stakes softball as the regular season winds down and the postseason approaches. With the AUSL Championship Series just days away, every game counts, and both teams are poised to bring their best as they chase glory in Tuscaloosa.
The ongoing battles between these teams not only highlight the growing competitiveness of the AUSL but also the increasing popularity and talent in professional softball. Fans can expect more thrilling moments and standout performances as the season reaches its climax.
