South Alabama’s softball team secured two wins on Sunday at the 23rd Annual NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Florida. The Jaguars defeated North Carolina Central 5-0 in the first game and edged Missouri 5-4 in an 11-inning contest.
Pitcher Olivia Cato delivered a complete game shutout against North Carolina Central, striking out a career-high 11 batters and allowing only three hits over seven innings. Gracie Dees contributed with two doubles and an RBI, while Sydney Stewart hit a two-run home run to extend South Alabama’s lead. Lillie Stagner also homered, marking her second of the weekend.
In the second game against Missouri, South Alabama overcame multiple deficits. After falling behind early, they took their first lead in the third inning with RBI singles from Dees and Olivia Branstetter. Missouri tied the game in the sixth inning, forcing extra innings. Stagner tied the game again in the eighth with an RBI single and later drove in the winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning.
Ryley Harrison pitched eight innings for South Alabama against Missouri, allowing just one earned run and striking out six. Tori Miller earned the win after three innings of relief work.
For her performance during the tournament, Ryley Harrison was named to the all-tournament team with a 2-0 record and a 1.19 ERA over 17.2 innings pitched.
Head coach Becky Clark commented on her team’s effort: “I’m incredibly proud of our effort and toughness today. We stepped up in all areas and took a major step forward as a team. Our pitchers competed today and set the tone. (Olivia) Cato pounded the zone in game one and (Ryley) Harrison and (Tori) Miller were lights out in game two. Offensively, we never gave in. I feel like our offense is starting to show what it is capable of and will continue to get better as we go. Overall, these were two great team wins and the perfect way to end the tournament.”
The Jaguars will return home to host the Mardi Gras Classic presented by Marriott Mobile from February 13-15.
