Florida Atlantic University’s softball team secured a 5-1 win over UMass on Sunday, concluding the Joan Joyce Classic at FAU Softball Stadium. The Owls improved their season record to 12-5 and remained undefeated at home, finishing the tournament with a 6-0 mark. Over four days of play, they outscored opponents by a combined total of 42-9.
Freshman pitcher Makenna Lee started for FAU, allowing one run in two innings before Ashlynn Durkin entered in relief and earned her first collegiate victory. UMass began the game with a solo home run in the opening inning but was held hitless by FAU’s pitching staff for the next four innings.
Junior outfielder Kiley Shelton recorded a base hit in the second inning for FAU but was left stranded. The Owls took control in the third inning when six consecutive batters reached base. Bella Foran led off with a single, followed by a double from Kylie Hammonds. McKenna Mulholland then drove in both runners with a hard-hit ball to shortstop, giving FAU a 2-1 lead. A bunt from Yani Guzman allowed Mulholland to score before the inning ended with FAU ahead 3-1.
In the fourth inning, Lily Holtje added another run on a sacrifice fly after the Owls loaded the bases. Two walks later increased their lead to 5-1. Durkin and graduate pitcher Ainsley Lambert closed out the game; Durkin did not allow any hits while Lambert struck out three batters over two innings.
The team’s current 11-0 home record marks its best start since 2016. Foran has achieved multiple hits in three of her last four games, while Holtje leads the American Conference with 15 walks this season after drawing two more against UMass. Hammonds scored twice to bring her team-leading total to 17 runs this year. Durkin has yet to allow a hit or run through her first four collegiate innings.
The Owls will next face UCF on Wednesday, February 25 at 5 p.m., broadcast on ESPN+. They will then travel to Conway, South Carolina for five games at Coastal Carolina’s Beach Chicken Brawl tournament from February 27 through March 1.
Postgame comments were shared by head coach Jordan Clark: “Postgame with Coach Jordan#WIPpic.twitter.com/AVdVvnriLp”
Fans can view Florida Atlantic’s full schedule online and follow updates via @fausoftball or www.fausports.com.
