Senior pitcher Autumn Courtney led the Florida Atlantic University softball team to a 2-1 victory over Wichita State on March 22, allowing just two hits and no earned runs in a complete game performance.
The win marks the end of a three-game series between the Owls (21-11, 4-5) and the Shockers (18-11, 6-3). The result was decided by strong pitching from Courtney and timely hitting from her teammates. Junior outfielder Ciara Gibson hit a solo home run in the third inning to tie the game, while senior catcher Chloe Yeatts drove in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly in the sixth.
Courtney improved her season record to 10-5 with her fifth complete game, striking out four batters. She held Wichita State hitless for four consecutive innings after an unearned run scored in the first. Defensive plays, including a diving catch by sophomore shortstop Hannah Rivers and a double play led by senior third baseman Jesiana Mora, helped limit scoring opportunities for the Shockers.
Sophomore outfielder Bella Foran recorded her second multi-hit game in a row and third in her last five appearances. Redshirt junior outfielder Kylie Hammonds extended her hitting streak to ten games. Three of Gibson’s last five hits have been home runs dating back to last season. Courtney now holds an earned run average of 2.48, which is third best in the American Conference, and her ten wins are tied for second.
Looking ahead, Florida Atlantic will travel to Miami for a midweek matchup against FIU on Wednesday, March 25 at 6 p.m., before returning home to host UTSA at Joan Joyce Field at FAU Softball Stadium for a three-game series beginning Friday, March 27. All upcoming games will be broadcast on ESPN+.
