MIAMI, Fla. – The University of South Alabama softball team fell 3-1 in the series finale against Sun Belt Conference opponent Florida International Sunday afternoon at the FIU Softball Complex.
“I felt like we were mentally ready to play today, but our physical let us down,” Jaguar head coach Becky Clark said. “We didn’t get some of the timely hits that we normally get but our approach was there. I thought Lindsey Croft did a great job in the circle changing up speeds and hitting her spots. They (FIU) are a very good offensive club but things didn’t fall they way we wanted today.”
Jaguar starter Lindsey Croft (8-3) was credited with the loss after going the distance in the circle. She allowed one hit and three runs ¬- only one earned, while striking out three FIU batters.
FIU’s (28-25, 12-10 SBC) Ashley McClain (6-4) earned the win after pitching a complete game. She allowed four hits and one run while striking out three. McClain also record the only hit of the day for the Golden Panthers.
Jenny Stevens, Haley Richards, Haley Hopkins and Britany Campbell all recorded one hit apiece for the Jags. Richards also recorded one RBI.
USA (34-14, 13-9 SBC) wasted little time getting on the score board, scoring one run on two hits in the top of the first. Stevens drew a walk, stole second and then advanced to third on a Jenny Welch error. The next batter, Haley Richards singled through the left side to score Stevens.
Three costly errors allowed the Panthers to take the lead in the bottom of the second. Brie Rojas reached on an error and then advanced to second on another Jaguar error that also allowed Jessey Alfonso to reach on a fielder’s choice. With one out, Rachel Slowik reached on a fielder’s choice and then Rojas advanced all the way home on the third Jag error of the inning. The next batter, Jenny Welch grounded out to the shortstop driving in Alfonso to give FIU a 2-1 advantage.
With two outs in the bottom of the third the Gold Panthers extended their lead to 3-1 when McClain hit a home run over the right field wall.
The Jags threatened to score in the top of the fifth Campbell laid down a bunt single, stole second and then advanced to third on a passed ball. Stevens followed with a walk and then recorded her team-leading 28th stolen base to put runners in scoring position. With two outs, Fowler lined out to the shortstop to end the inning.
The Jags return to action Saturday when they take on Troy in their final SBC doubleheader.
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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