Saturday’s matchup between the Bandits and Volts at Dell Diamond in Round Rock, Texas, marked a historic milestone for the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), as it played host to the largest softball crowd in Texas history. With over 6,500 fans in attendance, this sold-out game also set a new attendance record for the league, solidifying the growing excitement around women’s professional softball.
“This is an incredible sport with incredible fans and incredible players, and we are just so proud to be the organization that’s been able to create the platform that brings it all together,” said Athletes Unlimited CEO and Co-Founder Jon Patricof. “The launch of the AUSL only six weeks ago, it’s been nothing short of remarkable.”
In the thrilling contest, the Bandits secured a 4-3 comeback victory over the Volts. The win only helped to build the momentum held by the Bandits, who had just clinched the final spot in the upcoming AUSL Championship in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Infielder Skylar Wallace led the charge with two hits, while pitcher Lexi Kilfoyl delivered a stellar performance, allowing just one unearned run over 4.1 innings. A pivotal moment of the game came in the bottom of the fifth inning when the Bandits, trailing 3-0, exploded for four runs. Outfielder Morgan Zerkle ignited the rally with a sacrifice fly, followed by Wallace’s infield single to cut the deficit to 3-2. Danielle Gibson Whorton sealed the comeback with a two-run single, giving the Bandits the lead and securing the win.
With this milestone, the AUSL continues to prove that its impact on women’s professional sports is just getting started.
Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.
