Keyes opens door to 8-6 XULA victory

GULF SHORES, Ala. — Xavier University of Louisiana softball defeated William Woods 8-6 Sunday in the Gold Nuggets’ finale at the Gulf Coast Invitational.

XULA (4-10) finished 1-3 in the event and snapped a nine-game losing streak.

Chenai Keyes had the winning hit, a double in the top of the sixth inning that broke a tie at 6 and scored Madison Winston and Kenedi Jackson. Vivionna Robles pitched the final three innings in relief of her twin, Vannity, to earn the decision.

Winston, Alexis Richardson and Kadence Means had two hits apiece for the Gold Nuggets, and Winston and Means scored twice apiece. Richardson and Mecolett Bradley each drove in a run.

Crystal Ruden had three hits, and Iliana Manzano had two RBIs for William Woods (3-15).

XULA will travel to Pineville, La., for a 4 p.m. CST Tuesday Red River Athletic Conference doubleheader against Louisiana Christian.