BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ? The University of South Alabama softball team won both its games Friday afternoon at the Russell Athletic Spring Classic.  The Jaguars defeated Kennesaw State 7-3 and Mississippi Valley State 9-1 in five innings to improve to 11-7 on the season.  With the losses, Kennesaw State falls to 18-9 and MVSU falls to 9-9.

In the tournament opener, KSU took an early 2-0 lead over the Jags with a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning, but USA answered back scoring freshman Carolina Mendoza in the second inning to cut the deficit to 2-1. 

With one out and two runners on in the top of the third, the Owls brought in new pitcher Janet Kearns, who hit her first batter faced to load the bases.  After KSU was able to record its second out, Kearns walked in a run to tie the game at two each.

In the top of the fourth inning, designated hitter Tara Donaldson hit a two-run run home run to give the Jags a 4-2 lead.  Three runs in the sixth, by Kait Chernomaz, Donaldson and Katie McGuire, extended USA’s lead to 7-2.

Kennesaw State added one more in the bottom of the sixth, but the Jags’ pitching and defense stood strong, taking a 7-3 victory over the Owls.

Senior Linden Jones (6-3) earned the win, only giving up three runs on nine hits.  She struck out seven batters, while only walking two.  Kearns (2-3) received the loss, giving up two runs on two hits.  She struck out three batters and walked two.

In USA’s second contest of the day, the Jags went up 4-0 in the bottom of the third inning, with the first four batters scoring on an error and three base hits.  In the fourth, MVSU put up a run to cut the deficit to 4-1, but USA added two more in the bottom half of the inning, extending its lead, 6-1.

With two outs in the fifth inning, Donaldson hit a double to right field to keep the inning alive.  McGuire followed up with a double of her own to plate Donaldson and add to their lead, which was followed up by a two-run walk-off home run by freshman Jenny Stevens, to end the game in five innings for the sixth time this season.  The Jaguars walked away with a 9-1 victory over the Devillettes and a two-game sweep on opening day of the Russell Athletic Spring Classic.

Junior Amanda Leggett (1-2) picked up her first win of the season, giving up only one run on five hits.  She struck out six and walking three.  Nicole Henderson (3-2) took the loss, giving up four runs on five hits.  She struck out four batters and did not walk any.

South Alabama will be back in action at the Russell Athletic Spring Classic on Saturday at 11 a.m. against Austin Peay, followed by a 3 p.m. contest with Birmingham Southern.