DENTON, TEXAS ? The visiting South Alabama softball team jumped out to an early 5-1 lead but failed to hang on in extra innings as North Texas beat USA 6-5 in the first of two games Saturday afternoon at Lovelace Stadium.

North Texas pitcher Kristina Fowler led the bottom of the ninth off with a single and Courtney Bradshaw reached on a sacrifice bunt. Taylor Johnston laid down a sacrifice bunt of her own to advance the winning run to third base. Rebecca Waters hit a ground ball to Jaguar second baseman Krista Rodden but Fowler scored on the throw to the plate.