The Florida Atlantic University softball team lost to Charlotte on Saturday afternoon, with a final score of 3-1. The game took place in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Kylie Hammonds, a redshirt junior outfielder for the Owls, hit her third home run of the weekend during the game. Despite this effort, Florida Atlantic (now 18-7 overall and 1-1 in conference play) was unable to overcome Charlotte (13-11, 1-1), who recorded 12 hits. The two teams will play again on Sunday to decide the series winner.
In the opening innings, Hammonds was hit by a pitch to start the game. In the second inning, Florida Atlantic drew two consecutive walks but did not score. Charlotte responded with a two-run home run in their half of the second inning and added another run with an RBI single in the third.
Karson Davey, a junior outfielder, got Florida Atlantic’s first hit in the fourth inning. In the fifth inning, Hammonds hit a solo home run to reduce Charlotte’s lead to 3-1. Later in the game, Hammonds also made a defensive play that prevented Charlotte from increasing their lead.
Florida Atlantic created more scoring opportunities in the sixth inning when senior first baseman Yani Guzman singled and sophomore second baseman Destiny Johns walked. However, both runners were left on base.
Freshman pitcher Makenna Lee pitched for the last three and one-third innings without allowing any runs from Charlotte. This gave Florida Atlantic a chance for a comeback in their final at-bat. In the seventh inning, Hammonds walked and Holtje got a hit to put runners on base before Charlotte closed out the win.
After Saturday’s contest:
Hammonds has now hit seven home runs this season.
Holtje has reached base safely in 17 straight games.
Guzman has recorded at least one hit in 11 of her last 12 games.
Lee lowered her earned run average (ERA) to 2.52, which is currently best among FAU pitchers.
The deciding game of this series is scheduled for Sunday at 10 a.m., broadcast on ESPN+.
For more information about Florida Atlantic University softball’s schedule or updates about the team visit www.fausports.com or follow @fausoftball on social media.
