HATTIESBURG, MS – Lipscomb Softball opened the 2026 season Friday at the Southern Miss Tournament, earning a split in a season-opening doubleheader with a 5–2 victory over UAB before a heartbreaking 2-3 setback against Louisiana Tech.
 

GAME 1: LIPSCOMB 5, UAB 2

After a slow start from both sides, the Bisons broke through in the bottom of the third inning when Kyla Jobe launched a solo home run down the left-field line to put Lipscomb on the board. Not long after, the Bisons added to their lead as Mallory Ogle tripled to right-center, driving in Chapel Cunningham to make it 2–0 game.

Lipscomb continued to build separation in the fourth inning. Briley Burns grounded out to shortstop, allowing Grace Cassarello to score, before Cunningham delivered an RBI single to shortstop to plate Macyn Kirby. An additional unearned run crossed later in the inning to give the Bisons a five-run advantage.

UAB scored its only runs of the game in the fifth inning, capitalizing on an RBI single and a Lipscomb error, but the Bisons' pitching staff settled in to close out the win.

In her Lipscomb debut, freshman Chloe Ellis was dominant on the mound, going the distance with seven innings pitched. She allowed just eight hits and two runs, only one earned, while issuing a single walk. Her steady performance kept the Bisons in control and set the tone for the team's offense to shine.

GAME 2: LIPSCOMB 2, LA TECH 3

The game started even, as both teams held scoreless through four innings. The Bisons broke through in the top of the fifth inning as Elle Smith laid down a sacrifice bunt scoring Macyn Kirby. Shortly after, Aubri Ettinger singled to third base, bringing in Chapel Cunningham and giving Lipscomb a 2-0 lead. 

Louisiana Tech responded in the sixth inning inning, scoring three runs unanswered. 

UP NEXT

The Bisons will continue play at the Southern Mississippi Tournament tomorrow, Saturday, February 7, with a matchup against Southern Miss. at 4:30 PM, followed by a game against SEMO at 7:00 PM.