The Florida Atlantic University softball team secured a 7-1 victory over Charlotte in the final game of their American conference opening series on Sunday morning. With this win, the Owls improved to a 19-7 overall record and 2-1 in conference play, while Charlotte dropped to 13-12 and 1-2.
Senior pitcher Autumn Courtney started for the second time in three days, allowing only one run across four innings and improving her season record to 8-4. Graduate pitcher Ainsley Lambert entered in relief and pitched three scoreless innings, earning her fourth save of the year.
Redshirt junior outfielder Kylie Hammonds contributed early by drawing a leadoff walk and scoring on an RBI single from senior first baseman Yani Guzman. Hammonds also made a defensive play in the bottom of the first inning, preventing a home run with an acrobatic catch. Charlotte tied the game with a solo home run in the second inning.
After two scoreless innings, Florida Atlantic regained the lead in the fifth when sophomore Bella Foran reached base and scored following a double by Lily Holtje and a throwing error by Charlotte. Lambert took over pitching duties in the bottom of the fifth and worked out of a bases-loaded situation to keep FAU ahead.
In the sixth inning, FAU’s offense produced five runs. Guzman led off with a double, and freshman pinch runner Lily Lowery scored on a fielder’s choice. Redshirt senior McKenna Mulholland doubled before being driven home by Hammonds’ RBI single. Additional runs came as Charlotte committed errors, including wild pitches and another fielder’s choice.
Lambert retired six consecutive batters to close out the game for FAU.
According to Florida Atlantic Athletics, “In the Owls’ last 14 wins, they are outscoring opponents 115-24.” The release also noted individual performances: “Hammonds finishes the weekend going 6-for-8 at the plate with six runs, three home runs, four RBI, and five walks. Guzman has a hit in 12 out of her last 13 appearances and multiple in four out of her last six. Holtje has reached base safely in 18 consecutive games. Lambert takes the lead in the American with four saves while Courtney’s eight wins are most in the conference.”
Florida Atlantic will next host East Carolina at Joan Joyce Field at FAU Softball Stadium for a three-game series beginning Friday, March 13.
“Postgame with @CoachJordanFAU and @HammondsKylie#WIPpic.twitter.com/NQ0Z1dzsKz
— Florida Atlantic Softball (@FAUSoftball) March 8, 2026”
For more information about schedules or updates on Florida Atlantic softball visit www.fausports.com or follow @fausoftball on social media.
