MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Led by Samantha Miener's second shutout of the season and a stellar plate performance by Sammie Sheladner, Austin Peay State University's softball team opened its Atlantic Sun Conference series against Bellarmine with an 8-0 victory, Friday, at Middle Tennessee's Blue Raider Softball Field.
The scoring came early and often for Austin Peay (29-6, 7-3 ASUN) who is now just one win away from the fifth 30-win season in program history. The Governors scored four runs in the bottom of the first inning after Miener and company retired Bellarmine (4-23, 0-10 ASUN) in order to begin the contest.
Kylie Campbell and Macee Roberts both tallied one-out singles in the bottom of the opening frame, with a Sammie Shelander double down the left field line driving in Campbell for the day's first run and advancing Robert to third. Leski then swapped places with Shelander to drive in a pair of scores. Brie Howard then hit a double to center field to bring in APSU's fourth and final run of the frame.
After a scoreless second and third inning, the Governors extended their lead with Skylar Sheridan tucking a ball over the left field wall for her second home run of the season – and in a week's span – to drive in Kayleigh Roper, who reached on a two-out single, and herself on the play.
In the bottom of the fifth, Macee Roberts led the inning off with a double, before Shelander homered for the third time this season to bring up the run-rule victory.
Up Next
The Governors conclude the series against the Knights with a 1 p.m. doubleheader tomorrow afternoon at the Blue Raider Softball Field.
Box Score Bullets
- Austin Peay improved to 29-6 on the season, which now stands alone as the fifth-most in program history. Head coach Kassie Stanfill also now has three of the top five winningest seasons in program history during her seven-year career at the helm of Governors softball.
- The Governors shutout marked its seventh of the season and third against Bellarmine in four games.
- Samantha Miener now has a team-best 10 wins this season, tied for the 23rd-most by a pitcher in a single season in program history.
- Samantha Miener's 26-career wins also are 12th all-time, as she surpasses former teammate Harley Mullins (2020-22).
- Sammie Shelander led the Governors and tied her career-high with three hits, her second three-hit performance of the season and fifth of her career.
- Sammie Shelander's three RBI are tied for her second-most of the season.
Follow #Team40 on Socials
For news and updates throughout the 2025 softball season, follow the Governors on X and Instagram (@GovsSB) or check back at LetsGoPeay.com for stories and schedule updates.