JACKSONVILLE, Ala. ? Big hits helped the University of South Alabama softball team top Jacksonville State 6-2 at University Field. Kalin Lasseter recorded her first career grand-slam in the win.

The Gamecocks (15-8) put two runs on the board early in the first inning when Allie Barker’s homer to left field scored Mary Beth Ledbetter. Ledbetter was the top JSU hitter, going 3-for-3 with one run scored.

In the third, USA (13-15-1) rallied from behind after Christin Crocker closed the gap by scoring the only earned run of the inning on Tara Donaldson’s single up the middle. JSU brought in Kelly McGregor for Kayla Collins to try and shut down USA. Collins left the game with three strikeouts in two innings pitched.

The Jags took a 5-2 lead on Lasseter’s grand slam to left center that brought around Katie McGuire, Donaldson and Marissa Boyd. Lasseter went 1-for-2 at the plate with four RBI.

“We had a lot of fight today,” said head coach Becky Clark. “Jacksonville State is a very good team and we have a lot of respect for their program. We put together a solid effort on the mound with timely hitting and came out on top. It gives us momentum going into the conference series this weekend.”

Mendoza stretched the lead to 6-2 in the fifth when she came home on Boyd’s single up the middle.

Katy Neal came in to the circle in the bottom of the fifth for Beth Pilgrim (8-7), who notched the win after she finished with three strikeouts in four innings of work. Neal got her first career save after closing out the final three innings.

The Jags will continue on the road as they travel to Murfreesboro, Tenn., for a weekend series against Middle Tennessee. The Jags will open with games Saturday at 1 and 3 p.m. followed by a 3 p.m. contest Sunday.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).