MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama softball team scored a run in the bottom of the seventh on Shelby Sloan's RBI triple, but Lipscomb's Breana Burke was able to record the final out as the Bison held on to defeat the Jaguars, 2-1 at Jaguar Field on the final day of the Jaguar Classic presented by Marriott Mobile.
Kamdyn Kvistad reached twice with a double and a walk and Olivia Lackie tossed two perfect innings in relief, striking out three batters.
UP NEXT
- South Alabama (4-4) will stay at home and host its second tournament of the spring next weekend (Feb. 26-28). The Jaguars will open the South Alabama Invitational on Friday when they take on 18th-ranked Missouri with first pitch set for 6 p.m. at Jaguar Field.
Jaguar Classic presented by Marriott Mobile – All-Tournament Team
Olivia Lackie (South Alabama)
Mackenzie Brasher (South Alabama)
Shelby Sloan (South Alabama)
Kamdyn Kvistad (South Alabama)
Lauren Fey (Butler)
Karli Ricketts (Butler)
Lilly Fischer (Murray State)
Hannah James (Murray State)
Amy Vetula (Lipscomb)
Caitlin Turner (Lipscomb)
SOUTH ALABAMA - LIPSCOMB
Date: 2/21
Place: Jaguar Field (Mobile, Ala.)
Final Score: Lipscomb 2, South Alabama 1
Records: Lipscomb (3-2), South Alabama (4-4)
Pitchers of Record: W – Breana Burke (1-1) L – Allie Hughen (1-2)
Home Runs: LU: Olivia Ward (1)
GAME FACTS
- South's first scoring chance came in the bottom of the third when Kvistad led the inning off with a double to center – the Jags' first hit of the contest – but the USA was unable to do anything with the extra-base hit as Burke retired the next three batters to strand the runner.
- Ward put the Bison on the board the next half inning as the junior homered to left with one out in the frame, plating a pair of runs.
- Kvistad reached for the second time in as many at-bats as she drew a two-out walk, but Belle Wolfenden's long fly ball to center was hauled in to end the fifth.
- The Jaguars attempted to get something going in the bottom of the seventh. Kassidy Wilcox worked the count full and brought the tying run to the plate after drawing a free pass to become just the third Jaguar base runner. Sloan then cut the deficit to 2-1 as she tripled off the top of the wall in center – just missing a home run – scoring Jordyn Calderon from first, who was pinch running for Wilcox.
- With the tying run at third, Burke was able to get a ground out to end the contest and pick up the victory.
NOTES
- Meredith Keel – who entered the day with a seven-game hit streak – was held without a hit for the first time this season.
- Lackie tossed two innings of no-hit ball in relief, striking out three to bring her total to 34 for the season. For the weekend, the freshman righty struck out 24 in 12.2 innings of relief, while allowing just two runs and three walks.
- Kvistad was responsible for getting on base twice and the only Jag to do so through the first six innings.
- Prior to the seventh-inning walk to Wilcox, Burke had retired 14 of the previous 15 Jag batters.
- Nine of the 21 outs recorded by Burke were ground-ball outs, including the last six for the Bison.
THEY SAID IT
Head coach Becky Clark
- On the loss:
"Today was a tough loss. We got going late offensively and came close at the end, but couldn't pull it out. I thought we pitched well and got good defense. I have confidence we will get things going offensively and look forward to getting back on the field."
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/WeAreSouth_JAGS. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
Join the Bullpen Club, the softball specific support club of the Jaguar Athletic Fund. Members have access to purchase parking passes and receive Jaguar Softball gear. All donations to the Bullpen Club go directly to support the South Alabama softball program. For more information on how you can join visit: jaguarathleticfund.com/bullpenclub.
—USA—
