USA-NSU Box
MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama softball team scored three runs in the bottom of the third and held on to defeat Nicholls State 3-2 Wednesday night at Jaguar Field.
The Jags moved to 13-3, and are now on a program-high seven game win-streak.
“Fowler and Stevens have continued to swing a consistent bat for us,” USA head coach Becky Clark said. “We didn’t have very good at bats and we have been hitting the ball a lot better that what we did tonight. We have to come out with more energy, have better at-bats and pound the strike zone.”
Morgan Druhan (4-1) earned the complete win striking out nine batters and allowing only one earned run.
Nicholls (6-10) pushed the first run of the game across in the top of the third with the bases loaded and no outs.
The Jags answered in the bottom of the third scoring three runs on four hits. Meghan Collins started the rally when she singled to the short stop to begin the inning and then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt from Kamee Vessey. The next batter, Jenny Stevens singled up the middle and then stole second. Collins scored the first run of the day for the Jaguars when she advanced home on a wild pitch. Britany Campbell followed with an RBI-single through the right side to drive in Stevens. Brittany Fowler then ripped a double down the right field line advancing Campbell to third. The next batter, Haley Hopkins reached on a fielder’s choice to plate Campbell.
NSU threatened to tie the game in the top of the seventh. With the bases loaded and two outs the Colonels cut the lead to 3-2, when Laine Strickland was walked to plate Lauren Crane. Druhan then retired the final NSU batter to earn the win.
Brittany Fowler and Jenny Stevens have recorded a hit in the last 10 games. Fowler led the Jags at the plate with a 2-for-3 performance. Campbell, Stevens, Vessey and Collins all recorded a hit for the Jags.
Ashton Benton (3-5) took the loss for the Colonels in 2.1 innings of work, and allowed five hits and three earned runs. Carlee Winkleman came in for 3.2 innings of relief allowing only one hit.
The Jaguars return to action Friday when they take on Florida A&M as a part of the University of Central Florida tournament in Orlando, Fla.
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).
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