Florida Atlantic University’s softball team faced two tough opponents on the opening day of the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational in Clearwater, Florida. The Owls, ranked No. 23, lost 8-0 to top-ranked Texas Tech and then fell 9-5 to No. 5 Florida State.
In their first game against Texas Tech, FAU’s Ainsley Lambert made her first collegiate start since 2023. She kept the Red Raiders scoreless in the first inning but gave up a two-run home run in the second. Texas Tech added five runs in the third inning and another in the fourth to end the game early under run-rule conditions.
Freshman Lily Lowery recorded her first start for FAU and became the team’s first base runner with a single in the third inning. Senior Jesiana Mora also notched a hit during that frame.
The Owls’ second matchup saw senior Autum Courtney start as pitcher against Florida State. After allowing one run in the second inning, FAU responded by scoring four runs at the bottom of that frame. Junior outfielders Kiley Shelton and McKenna Mulholland drew consecutive walks before Karson Davey hit a two-run triple—her first as an Owl and also FAU’s first triple this season. Redshirt junior Kylie Hammonds followed with an RBI single, and sophomore Lily Holtje drove in another run to extend FAU’s lead.
FAU maintained its advantage until Florida State scored four runs in the fourth inning to take over. Two home runs from FSU in the fifth put them ahead further, though hits from Bella Foran and Mora helped cut into that deficit for FAU late in the game. However, a two-run homer by FSU sealed their win.
Mora now leads FAU with ten hits this season after recording two more during Friday’s games. Holtje has accumulated eight RBIs so far this year, which is currently best on the team. The nine hits collected by FAU against Florida State were just one short of their season high.
The Owls (5-2) are scheduled to play No. 2 Tennessee at noon and Missouri at 3 p.m. on Field 3 at Eddie C. Moore Complex for their next games in Clearwater Invitational; both contests will be available on ESPN+.
For full schedule details or updates about Florida Atlantic softball, fans can visit www.fausports.com or follow @fausoftball on social media.
