BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – University of South Alabama softball jumped ahead of UAB early and defended a two-run lead for four innings behind the one-two pitching punch of Destin Vicknair and Devin Brown to defeat the Blazers, 3-1, in Birmingham on Tuesday.
 
South Alabama (15-10, 3-2 SBC) outhit the Blazers, 9-3, as seven Jaguars recorded a hit and USA extended its current winning streak to five games.
 
USA returns to Sun Belt Conference play this weekend when the Jags travel to Boone, N.C., for a three-game set on Friday and Saturday. Links to live stats, video and ticket information can be found by accessing the Jaguar softball schedule page.
 
In-game Twitter updates are provided for each USA contest via the program's official handle, @USAJagsSoftball.
 
The Jaguars opened up scoring with a pair of runs in the top of the second inning, beginning with Haleigh Lane's RBI single to left field, which scored Haleigh Lowe, who led off the frame with a walk. Alex Breeden followed with an RBI base hit to right center to plate Kristian Foster, who singled earlier in the inning.
 
UAB cut the Jags' two-run lead in half in the bottom of the second on Kelly Britt's two-out double to right center, which scored Sara Beth Williamson, who reached on a fielder's choice.
 
In the top of the third, Lowe singled up the middle to score Stephanie Pilkington, who doubled with two away, as USA took reestablished its two-run lead, 3-1.
 
Vicknair retired nine of the next 10 Blazer batters she faced, until Brown entered the circle in the bottom of the sixth. The Louisville Slugger/NFCA Division I Co-Pitcher of the Week mowed down six of the final seven UAB batters – three by strikeout – to secure her second save of the season.
 
Vicknair improved to 7-3 with the win after scattering three UAB hits and allowing one run (earned) with a strikeout and no walks. Brown threw two shutout innings, struck out three and walked one.
 
UAB starter Cara Goodwin dropped to 6-5 with the loss after giving up three runs (all earned) on seven hits with a walk and strikeout in five innings. Reliever Megan Smith struck out two and allowed two hits in a pair of shutout innings.
 
Emily Messer and Alex Breeden led USA at the plate with two hits apiece, the former recording her 14^th multiple-hit game of the season and extending her hitting streak to 12 games. Breeden, Lane and Lowe each supplied an RBI apiece. Kaleigh Todd went 1-for-4 and has reached safely in her last 12 games.

South Alabama moves to 2-0 versus the Blazers this season - USA defeated the Blazers, 4-0, in Mobile to open the season on Feb. 11 - and 11-2 over UAB all-time.
 
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).