South Alabama’s softball team experienced mixed results on the second day of the Mardi Gras Classic at Jaguar Field. The Jaguars lost their opening game to Jacksonville State, 8-4, but rebounded with an 8-0 run-rule victory over Western Michigan in five innings.
Head coach Becky Clark commented on the team’s performance and praised sophomore pitcher Sydney Scapin. “We’ve been scuffling all weekend until our last game tonight. I’m incredibly proud of (Sydney) Scapin for turning herself loose and competing. I thought she set the tone early and the rest of the team fed off of it. His has been our first home stand and we’ve just been trying to do too much. The game against Western Michigan is the compete-level that we need to maintain going into tomorrow.”
Scapin also reflected on her contribution in the circle during game two. “To bounce back like we did after the first game was huge. Our offense had my back and all I was thinking about was doing it for them. I know my pitching staff has my back no matter what happens.” She added, “I was able to throw my change up tonight and that was huge in helping me get ahead early and then letting me get batters to chase.”
In the first game, South Alabama managed five hits, with Gracie Dees recording two hits, a run scored, and an RBI. Kayden Dunn reached base twice, scored twice, and drove in a run. Olivia Branstetter contributed two RBIs as well. Jacksonville State capitalized on three errors by South Alabama, scoring eight runs including several unearned ones.
The loss marked South Alabama’s 400th program game at Jaguar Field and extended Dees’ hitting streak to six games with her first career home run.
In their second matchup of the day against Western Michigan, South Alabama’s offense came alive as six different players recorded at least one RBI. Dunn led offensively by going 2-for-3 with three RBIs while Kara Wine matched her with a pair of hits.
Scapin pitched a complete-game shutout for her first win of the season, allowing only three hits without issuing any walks while striking out six batters.
The Jaguars will conclude play at the Mardi Gras Classic on Sunday when they face UAB at 12:30 p.m.
For more information about South Alabama Softball or updates throughout the season, fans can follow @SouthAlabamaSB on social media or visit usajaguars.com.
