Alexander’s Poise and Competitiveness Help Seal Win for Bandits in Prime-Time Showdown
Things Don’t Always Go As Planned — And That’s the Beauty of It
One of the best things about sports is the unpredictability. Last night’s Athletes Unlimited Softball League showdown between the Bandits and Volts was billed as a marquee pitching battle between Lexi Kilfoyl and Sam Landry. But what unfolded under the lights in Sulphur, Louisiana, was anything but scripted.
Volts Strike Back After Rocky Start
Sam Landry got the start for the Volts but struggled early. She gave up one run in the first, followed by two more in the second, before ever really finding a rhythm. Her command just wasn’t sharp, and the Bandits made her pay. She did manage a clean third inning before giving way to Rachel Garcia, the AUSL’s first Pitcher of the Series.
Kilfoyl, who had picked up two wins in the opening weekend, started out strong on the other side for the Bandits. But the Volts offense finally got to her in the third, quickly erasing a 3-0 deficit and flipping it into a 4-3 Volts lead with a big inning.
Kilfoyl responded with a clean fourth, and the Bandits tied things up again on a Jordan Roberts solo shot. That would be Kilfoyl’s final inning as she handed the ball over to Odicci Alexander.
Alexander Answers the Call
From there, it became Odicci Alexander that would turn in a dominant outing, and help bring the win for the Bandits.
While not flawless, Alexander came in and did exactly what a seasoned arm should do — minimize damage and give her team a chance. In five innings of relief, she allowed just two hits and one unearned run. Her opponent batting average sat at a sharp .133, and she finished with three strikeouts and only two walks.
Alexander’s competitive presence and ability to get outs in big moments proved pivotal down the stretch.
Coach Nuveman Deniz Praises Alexander
After the game, I asked Bandits Head Coach Stacey Nuveman Deniz about Alexander’s impact and mindset. Her response captured exactly what makes Odicci special.
“Yeah, well, you just took the word. She’s a competitor. You know, she’s not afraid of any moment, she’s not afraid of any hitter. She’s not afraid to throw any pitch in any moment, and that’s invaluable.
You’ve got to have that kind of mentality if you’re going to be successful for the long run at this level. The hitters are just too good.
And, you know, when she’s got all of her stuff — her off speed, her down balls — working well, and then she mixes in a little bit of rise as well, I mean, she’s got all the weapons. When she’s throwing strikes, pounding the zone and just keeping them off balance, she’s very, very difficult to beat. So all I can say is I’m glad she’s on our team.”
Conclusion: A Veteran Presence With A Winning Edge
Even going back to her legendary run with James Madison University, Odicci Alexander has never shied away from the big moment. Last night was another chapter in that story. In a game that could have swung either way, her steady hand and fearless mentality helped the Bandits lock in the win.
While this was a total team effort for the Bandits, Delanie Wisz had a night at the plate, Jordan Roberts added big hits, and Morgan Zerkle’s strike from the outfield to throw out Stoddard at the plate.
Even Rachel Garcia on the other side for the Volts put in just as good an outing. Odicci Alexander faced a bunch of good hitters that had put up a league’s best 16 runs in the opening weekend, and she kept the threats to a minimum. That isn’t easy to do.
In a league designed to elevate professional softball, Odicci Alexander continues to be one of the game’s brightest lights — not just for her talent, but for her unwavering edge when the lights shine brightest.
