Florida Atlantic University’s softball team lost to Wichita State after a walk-off solo home run in the bottom of the seventh inning, resulting in a 3-2 defeat on Friday evening, March 20.
The game was closely contested, with the Owls recording seven hits and strong defensive play. However, they were unable to overcome three home runs by the Shockers. The loss brings Florida Atlantic’s record to 20-10 overall and 3-4 in conference play, while Wichita State improves to 17-10 and 5-2.
Early in the game, senior catcher Chloe Yeatts singled and sophomore second baseman Destiny Johns walked in the top of the second inning, putting a runner in scoring position for Florida Atlantic. Senior pitcher Autumn Courtney started for the Owls, allowing two hits in the first but then retiring batters consecutively over the next two innings.
Wichita State took an early lead with a home run in the fourth inning. The Owls responded by loading the bases in the fifth but could not score. In the sixth inning, singles from senior first baseman Yani Guzman and Johns set up redshirt senior McKenna Mulholland, who hit a triple that drove in two runs and gave Florida Atlantic a brief lead.
The Shockers tied it again with another home run at the start of their half of the sixth. Graduate pitcher Ainsley Lambert came on for Courtney and secured key outs. In their final at-bat, Wichita State managed a single before Florida Atlantic turned a double play. With two outs, Wichita State hit another home run to secure victory.
Notable performances included sophomore Lily Holtje reaching base safely for her 22nd consecutive game and Guzman earning her sixth multi-hit game of March. Mulholland recorded her first triple as an Owl and fifth overall in her collegiate career. Sophomore shortstop Hannah Rivers had a season-high four putouts and two assists.
Florida Atlantic is scheduled to play again Saturday at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
