Box Score

VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. – The University of South Alabama softball team fell to No. 3 Alabama, 6-0, in the final day of the Hibbett-Easton All-Alabama Softball Classic at Liberty Park in Vestavia Hills, Ala.

The Jags moved to 4-1, while Alabama improved to 4-0.

“We were solid in a lot of different areas this weekend,” USA head coach Becky Clark said. “The exciting thing about this team is that we can still get better. We know that there are things that we can work on and we have a team that the wants to improve. Coming out this weekend and starting the way that we did is very positive and I am looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Christin Crocker and Jenny Stevens led the Jags at the plate. Crocker went 1-for-2, while Stevens went 1-for 3.

The Crimson Tide broke the scoreless tie in the top of the third when Kayla Braud layed down a bunt single and then stole second. The next batter, Jennifer Fenton hit a two RBI-homer to centerfield to give Alabama a 2-0 advantage.

In the top of the fourth, Alabama scored three runs on three hits. Jazyln Lunceford hit a home run over the centerfield wall. Jackie Traina followed with an RBI-single to centerfield, scoring Cassie Boccia who doubled to left center earlier in the inning.

USA had an opportunity to score in the bottom half inning when Crocker singled to right. The next two batters, Fowler and Richards both walked to load the bases. With two outs and the bases loaded, UA’s Traina struck out the final Jaguar batter.
 
Alabama added its final run in the top of the fifth.

Braud and Boccia led the Crimson Tide offense, both going 2-for-3 at the plate. Four UA players recorded multi-hit games.

UA’s Traina earned the win after six innings in the circle, allowing two hits and walking only two.

USA pitcher Hannah Campbell (1-1) took the loss for the Jaguars in 3.2 innings. Lindsey Croft and Morgan Druhan both came in for relief for the Jaguars. Croft pitched .2 innings, while Druhan went 2.2 innings in the circle.

 South Alabama will return to action Wednesday at 5p.m. when they travel to Hattiesburg, Miss., to take on Southern Miss.

Game Notes: After the weekend,Haley Hopkins, Jenny Stevens and Christin Crocker are in a three way tie on USA’s all-time home runs list (14). The Jags hit a total of 17 home runs on the weekend.

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).
—USA—