A two-run walk-off single by sophomore second baseman Destiny Johns secured a 6-5 victory for the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) softball team over Kansas on the opening night of the Joan Joyce Classic in Boca Raton, Florida.
The Owls, now holding a 7-5 record, overcame an early deficit against the Jayhawks, who also entered the game with a 7-5 record. The contest took place at Joan Joyce Field at FAU Softball Stadium. With one out remaining and trailing by a run in their final at-bat, FAU loaded the bases before Johns delivered the decisive hit that brought home Cameryn Orland and Ciara Gibson.
Kansas started strong with two runs in the top of the first inning. Senior first baseman Madison Inscoe responded for FAU with a two-RBI single in the bottom half. Inscoe then pitched into the third inning but gave up a home run as Kansas regained its lead.
Senior third baseman Jesiana Mora opened FAU’s half of the third inning with a single and later scored on another hit from Inscoe to tie the game. In the fourth inning, Johns doubled and later scored on a hit by redshirt junior outfielder Kylie Hammonds, giving FAU its first lead at 4-3.
Kansas responded with runs in both the fifth and sixth innings to move ahead 5-4. Relief graduate pitcher Ainsley Lambert worked 2.1 innings before senior Autumn Courtney entered to finish without allowing any baserunners.
In FAU’s final opportunity at bat, sophomore Lily Holtje led off with a double and was replaced by pinch runner Cameryn Orland. The Owls then drew consecutive two-out walks from juniors Ciara Gibson and Karson Davey to fill the bases for Johns’ winning plate appearance.
Inscoe achieved her season high of three RBIs during this game. Johns marked her first multi-RBI performance of this season while Courtney improved her pitching record to 3-3.
Coach Jordan Clark continues her positive track record against teams from major conferences including Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, and SEC over the past two seasons.
The Owls are scheduled to face UMass and Southern Indiana on day two of the Joan Joyce Classic. Both games will be available via live stream on FAUSports.com.
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