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Olivia Ward field
2
Winner Lipscomb LIP 3-2
1
South Alabama USA 4-4
Winner
Lipscomb LIP
3-2
2
Final
1
South Alabama USA
4-4
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Lipscomb LIP 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 4 0
South Alabama USA 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0

W: Burke, Breana (1-1) L: Hughen, Allie (1-2)

Game Recap: Softball | | Mark McGee

Softball Defeats South Alabama In Jaguar Classic Finale

MOBILE, Ala. – The Lipscomb Lady Bisons softball team is finding ways to keep fans in the stands and send coach Kristin Ryman's heart into palpitations.

For the second game in a row the Lady Bisons carried a lead into the seventh inning, only to allow both opponents to pull within one run of a tie and two for the win.
The Lady Bisons held on for a 2-1 win over host South Alabama Sunday afternoon in the Jaguar Classic at Jaguar Field. Saturday night they dodged a late rally by Butler for a 7-6 win.

"It felt like an ASUN game," Ryman said. "It was low-scoring and high intensity game. It came down to the wire. It was a cool atmosphere for our girls to play in this early in the season.

"We continued to find a way to fight and get three key outs in the end. We showed a lot off grit. We also showed a lot of passion and energy which was really exciting to see."

The Lady Bisons scored both of their runs courtesy of a home run by third baseman Olivia Ward which cleared the left field fence. Also scoring was Kamrie Rich who had singled to center field. It was the first homer of the year for the Lady Bisons.

It marked the second time in three games Ward had driven in the first run with an extra-base hit in the fourth inning. Her RBI-double against Murray State was the spark to a 4-0 Lipscomb win on Saturday.

"Liv is off to a good start," Ryman said. "She looks confident. She is swinging at good pitches. 

"She has good discipline and plate awareness. It is key to have a veteran provide leadership like that in terms of composure. She came through with some key hits."

The win was the third in a row for the Lady Bisons (3-2) for the season. South Alabama is 4-4.

Breana Burke (1-1) made her second start of the season. She gave up only two hits, one a double in the third inning and the other an RBI-triple in the seventh to ruin her shutout attempt. She walked two batters and struck out four.

"We had our backs to the wall at the end, but Bree just gritted her teeth and went after it," Ryman said. "And we played really well behind her all day.

"Her first outing with us Friday she dealt with nerves and the things that come with that. We saw a different pitcher in this game. She has the bulldog mentality. She is going to be a grinder for us. We need that kind of fight in the circle."

South Alabama sent three pitchers to the circle. Jenna Hardy pitched the first two innings and allowed two hits. She did not walk or strike out a batter.

Allie Hughen (1-2) pitched three innings and took the loss giving up the homer to Ward and one other hit. She struck out two.

Olivia Lackie closed out the game for South Alabama. She did not allow a runner and struck out three.

Ryman always stresses the importance of finishing strong. She likes what her team showed her Saturday and Sunday.

"I am very proud of this group," Ryman said. "We had a slow start on Friday. I think we all knew that.

"I am proud of the change and how we handled ourselves the last two days. I think I saw the team I know we have."

Extra innings:
  • Ward and Kyndall Crawford have hits in their last three games.
  • Rich, who connected for two singles, recorded her team-leading third multi-hit game.
  • Caitlin Turner and Amy Vetula were named to the All-Tournament Team.
Jaguar Classic All-Tournament Team:
Olivia Lackie (South Alabama)
Mackenzie Brasher (South Alabama )
Shelby Sloan (South Alabama)
Kamdyn Kvistad (South Alabama)
Lauren Fey (Butler)
Karli Ricketts (Butler) 
Lilly Fischer (Murray State)
Hannah James (Murray State)
Amy Vetula (Lipscomb)
Caitlin Turner (Lipscomb)

Up Next:
Lipscomb is scheduled to play its first home games of the season Wednesday when Northern Iowa visits Draper Diamond for a doubleheader. The first game begins at 1 p.m. and the second is slated for a 3 p.m. start.
 
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