SAN MARCOS, Texas – Texas State right-hander Randi Rupp recorded 20 strikeouts in two wins on Saturday at Bobcat Softball Stadium, ending University of South Alabama softball's chance at a sixth-straight Sun Belt Conference series sweep.
 
USA (26-15, 14-5 SBC) gave up a pair of runs in the sixth inning of both contests, dropping game one, 3-1, and game two, 3-0.
 
South Alabama struck out a season-high 12 times in game one, and, in the nightcap, the Jaguars managed to avoid being no-hit for the first time in 119 games when Amanda Minahan got on with a double.

"I didn't feel like we played the way we normally play today," said USA head coach Becky Clark. "At this point in the season, you're supposed to have an aggressive mindet and go after people. We're going to go back to the hotel, talk about it and figure some things out and come back better tomorrow."
 
The Jags will search for consolation in game three on Sunday. First pitch is set for 11 a.m. Links to live stats, audio, 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.
 
Game One – South Alabama 1, Texas State 3
Nine-hole hitter Kendall Wiley was the thorn in the Jaguar side in game one, with the senior first baseman going 3-for-3 and driving in all of the Bobcats' runs.
 
She gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second when she singled up the middle to score Corrina Liscano after USA starter Devin Brown gave up a pair of leadoff singles and a walk.
 
South Alabama answered by tying the contest, 1-1, in the top of the fourth frame. Minahan doubled to left center to plate Kaleigh Todd, after the latter drew a leadoff walk.
 
Texas State pulled away, 3-1, in the bottom of the sixth when Wiley sent a two-out, two-RBI double to center field, scoring Jaelyn Young and Taylor Webb after the pair was dealt back-to-back one-out walks.
 
Todd led USA at the plate on 2-for-2 hitting with a run scored. Minahan, Dayla Gulledge and Haleigh Lane each recorded a hit apiece. Brown fell to 15-9 with the loss after allowing three runs (all earned) on six Bobcat hits with 10 strikeouts against three walks.
 
Rupp gave up only one run (earned) on five hits with a walk. Liscano, Webb and Ariel Ortiz each recorded one hit apiece for Texas State.
 
Game Two – South Alabama 0, Texas State 3
Jaguar starter Destin Vicknair ran into trouble early in game two, as the Bobcats took a 1-0 lead on Young's RBI single down the right field line, scoring Liscano, who drew a leadoff walk and moved to second on Webb's sacrifice bunt.
 
Texas State tacked on two more in the bottom of the sixth to go ahead, 3-0. Sara Rupp drew a one-out walk and Wiley singled and moved to second on the relay back to the infield, putting a pair in scoring position. Kayleigh Norte, pinch-running for Rupp, scored on a subsequent Jaguar fielding error, and Kelli Baker plated Wiley with a base hit to right field.
 
Wiley, Rupp and Kimberlin Naivar each recorded a pair of hits for the Bobcats. Rupp improved to 21-9 with the win after fanning eight against two walks. Vicknair fell to 11-5 with the loss after giving up three runs (all earned) on eight hits with three strikeouts and three walks.­­
 
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJagua,rSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).