The Florida Atlantic University softball team defeated East Carolina 10-1 on March 13, marking the best home start in program history at 13-0 on Joan Joyce Field at FAU Softball Stadium.
This achievement highlights a strong season for the Owls, who improved their overall record to 20-7 and conference record to 3-1. The game was closely contested until the sixth inning, when Florida Atlantic scored seven runs to secure a run-rule victory.
Senior Chloe Yeatts hit a walk-off home run for the second consecutive home game, sealing the team’s seventh run-rule win of the season. Senior pitcher Autumn Courtney started for the Owls and allowed just one run over five innings. Graduate pitcher Ainsley Lambert, who leads the conference in saves, pitched a perfect sixth inning.
Offensively, junior outfielder Kiley Shelton contributed three runs batted in (RBI), her most as an Owl. Sophomore Lily Holtje hit her fifth home run of the year and has now reached base safely in 19 straight games. Redshirt junior Kylie Hammonds and sophomore Destiny Johns also recorded key hits during the decisive sixth inning rally.
In their last 15 wins, Florida Atlantic has outscored opponents by a combined total of 125-25. Courtney’s performance improved her pitching record to 9-4 with an earned run average (ERA) dropping to 2.75. Lambert increased her save total to six this season.
Florida Atlantic and East Carolina are scheduled to play a doubleheader on Saturday to conclude their series, with both games available on ESPN+.
