Florida Atlantic University’s softball team secured a 10-6 win over Ohio State on Friday evening at FAU Softball Stadium. This marks the team’s second consecutive victory over a Big Ten opponent.
The game, which lasted more than three hours, saw the Owls overcome three separate deficits before taking a lead in the fourth inning that they held for the remainder of the contest. Senior pitcher Jaden Martinez started for Florida Atlantic and later returned as a reliever, recording five strikeouts. Graduate student Ainsley Lambert entered the game and was credited with the win after FAU took the lead during her time on the mound. Senior Autumn Courtney earned a save by striking out three batters in 1.1 innings.
In the opening inning, Martinez loaded the bases but ended the threat with two strikeouts. Sophomore Lily Holtje tied the game at 1-1 in the second inning with a leadoff home run.
An error in the third inning allowed Ohio State to score twice, but another error from Ohio State helped FAU tie the game again. The Buckeyes hit a home run to retake the lead, but senior Madison Inscoe responded for FAU with an RBI single in the fourth inning to tie it once more. Sophomore Destiny Johns then drew a walk with bases loaded to give Florida Atlantic its first lead at 5-4.
Additional runs came from redshirt senior Cameryn Orland and sophomore Bella Foran during a coordinated steal attempt. In the fifth inning, Martinez returned to pitch and struck out an Ohio State batter with bases loaded to end their scoring opportunity.
Redshirt junior Kylie Hammonds drove in another run for FAU in their half of the fifth. Although Ohio State narrowed FAU’s lead by scoring twice in the sixth inning, senior catcher Chloe Yeatts extended it again with her first home run of 2026.
The Owls have now recorded eight wins against power conference opponents over two seasons. Hammonds has reached base safely in 28 consecutive games dating back to last year. Holtje contributed three walks along with her home run, while junior Kiley Shelton went two-for-three at bat. As a team, Florida Atlantic drew ten walks during this matchup.
Following this victory, Florida Atlantic will face Wisconsin next as part of the Paradise Classic tournament. The game is scheduled for Saturday evening and will be available online through FAUSports.com.
“Postgame with Coach Jordan#WIPpic.twitter.com/dSTeadxrG7,” stated Florida Atlantic Softball (@FAUSoftball) on February 7, 2026.
