Tickets

Jaguar All-Access

Live Stats

MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama softball hosts in-state foe UAB on Thursday to mark the opening of USA's 10^th season. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. at Jaguar Field. Follow the ticket link above or visit JagNationTV for digital viewing options.

The Jaguars travel to Gulf Shores for the 2016 Sand Dollar Classic a day later for four games over the weekend. USA takes on Lipscomb at 6 p.m. on Friday at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex before facing Ball State and Central Arkansas on saturday at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively. The Jaguars finish opening weekend with Sunday's noon matchup against Southeast Missouri State.

Keep up-to-date on South Alabama softball action by accessing the schedule page, located in the tabs to the left. Also, follow the program on Twitter @USAJagsSoftball for continuous updates.
 
South Alabama's only head coach, Becky Clark, begins her 13^th season overall, boasting an all-time record of 470-209-2. She has steered the Jaguars to a 314-176-1 mark in nine seasons, averaging over 40 wins a year since 2011.
 
Under Clark's direction, the past four seasons have resulted in 40-plus wins, including three Sun Belt Conference Tournament titles and NCAA Regional final appearances each year to boot.
 
This year, South Alabama must replace the program's winningest senior class, which recorded 171 wins from 2012-15 and included eight named all-conference at some point.
 
Clark, and dedicated Jaguar fans alike, will see several new faces throughout the home side on Thursday, which features 11 total newcomers. Nine incoming freshmen join eight returners, seven of the latter earning letters for USA a year ago.
 
The 2016 senior class consists of Stephanie Pilkington, Emily Messer and Alex Breeden. Breeden returns for a fifth season after earning a medical redshirt last season. Juniors include Amanda Minahan, a standout in the Jaguar outfield for the past two years, and transfer Destin Vicknair, a lefty pitcher that won All-America honors at the DII level with LSU-Eunice.
 
Each of the four returning sophomores, Haleigh Lowe, Kaleigh Todd, Kristian Foster and Devin Brown received significant playing time throughout last season, and transfer Abby Tincher adds to the class's experience after a year at Liberty.
 
Freshmen this season include: MC Nichols (Hoover, Ala.), Haleigh Lane (Jasper, Ala.), Megan Harris (Whitehouse, Texas), Dayla Gulledge (Dothan, Ala.), Savanna Mayo (Little Rock, Ark.), Taylor Stevens (Grand Bay, Ala.), Paige Holmes (Jacksonville, Fla.) and Ashtiny Cook (Marietta, Ga.).
 
The Jaguars will open the season at home for the third year in a row. USA has split the previous pair of dates with an 8-0, run-rule victory over No. 21 UAB in 2014 and a 2-1 loss to No. 3 Alabama last year. USA was 17-5 at home last year, 16-3 in '14, 18-4 in '13 and 17-4 in '12.
 
"There is definitely a benefit to opening season at home," Clark said. "Being able to play where you have been practicing adds an extra comfort for the team. Also, being able to open in front of our fans and having that home atmosphere is huge. UAB is a great program so I look forward to opening in front of our home crowd with such a competitive opponent.
 
"One of the biggest keys for the team will be for them to trust their preparation and allow it to work for them in the game," she added. "To take it one pitch at a time and control the pace. We want to have a consistent mental and physical approach all weekend long."
 
Clark says the team has been professional in its preparation for the game and is ready to step on the field.
 
 "They have been working incredibly hard, both physically and mentally, to prepare for the season," Clark said. "By this time every year, they have done all of the scrimmages they can handle and are ready to compete against outside competition. We will really be looking for consistency from them, not just for this weekend, but for the entire season. With so many new faces, I think it will be crucial for them to take every situation as a learning opportunity to grow."
 
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).