South Alabama’s softball team secured a 4-1 victory over Nicholls on Tuesday night at Jaguar Field, marking the program’s 1,000th game. The Jaguars are now 14-7 this season.
The win was highlighted by a strong first inning in which South Alabama scored four runs. Lillie Stagner delivered a three-run double with two outs, bringing home Gracie Dees, Olivia Branstetter, and Kayden Dunn. A wild pitch advanced Stagner to third before Caitlyn Gavin hit a single to left field to score her, extending the lead to 4-0.
Nicholls responded in the fourth inning when Erin Krause hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Claire Sisco after she doubled. However, South Alabama pitcher Tori Miller ended the fifth inning with her eighth strikeout of the game—a career high—and prevented further scoring threats from Nicholls.
Ryley Harrison took over pitching duties in the sixth inning and retired all six batters she faced, recording three strikeouts and earning her third career save for South Alabama.
Head coach Becky Clark commented on the team’s performance: “(Tori) Miller gave us a great start tonight. I thought she was efficient and when they tried to get something going in the fourth, she made pitches and didn’t give up the big inning. (Ryley) Harrison gave us two solid innings on the back end to shut it down. Offensively, we had a big first inning and then pitching and defense made it stand. We have to do a better job of adjusting to the second pitcher, but we will address that in practice and get that part going.”
Gracie Dees contributed with a double and scored once; Branstetter walked twice and also scored. Stagner led with three RBIs—her fourth multi-RBI game this season—while Sisco collected two hits for Nicholls.
South Alabama’s pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts without allowing any walks during the game. The Jaguars have now won seven straight games against Nicholls and lead their all-time series 20-6.
The team continues its homestand hosting Mississippi State and Samford at the upcoming Jaguar Classic tournament on Friday.
For updates on South Alabama Softball, fans can follow @SouthAlabamaSB on Twitter or visit usajaguars.com.
