South Alabama lost a two-run lead in the final inning as Texas State scored five runs on four hits to win their Sun Belt Conference softball series at Jaguar Field, according to an April 4 announcement.
The outcome affects both teams’ standings within the conference and marks the last regular-season meeting between South Alabama and Texas State as Sun Belt members, with Texas State set to join the Pac-12 next spring.
South Alabama took an early lead with doubles from Presley Lively and Gracie Dees, followed by a sacrifice fly from Olivia Branstetter. The Jaguars maintained their advantage through several innings, with pitcher Ryley Harrison escaping multiple bases-loaded situations. Virginia Mambelli contributed a home run in the sixth inning for South Alabama. However, Texas State responded in the seventh when Harley Vestal tied the game with a two-run single, Kat Zarate added a two-run double, and Aiyanna Coleman drove in another run.
Head coach Becky Clark addressed the loss by saying: “What happened today can’t happen. We are making too many mental mistakes, and it’s taking us out of games. I take responsibility for that and understand it’s my job to get us playing to a higher standard.”
Lively went 2-for-4 at bat while Dees hit her 14th double of the season, tying her for second-most by a freshman in program history. Mambelli has now reached base safely in ten straight games.
Before the game, senior Kayden Dunn was honored during pregame ceremonies. South Alabama will next play against nationally ranked Alabama on Tuesday night at Rhoads Stadium.
