No. 22 Owls Walk-Off in Series Opener Versus Charlotte

Friday, March 21

Boca Raton, Fla.

6 p.m.

Florida Atlantic

28-4, 7-0

Charlotte

14-17, 2-5

Charlotte

Florida Atlantic

Photo by: Ryan Tran

3/21/2025 11:44:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

By: Ben Paul

BOCA RATON, Fla. – The No. 22 Florida Atlantic softball team pulled off its 10th straight victory with a 3-2 walk-off win versus Charlotte on Friday evening.

In front of a single-game program record 810 fans at FAU Softball Stadium for Kids Night, the Owls (28-4, 7-0) scored three runs in the final two frames to sneak past the 49ers (14-17, 2-5) for their third consecutive comeback.

Sophomore Ciara Gibson delivered in the clutch with an RBI double to put FAU on the board in the bottom of the sixth before following it up with the game-winning hit in the seventh. On the defensive side, senior pitcher Ainsley Lambert checked in for the third straight game to bring home the win. She remains undefeated on the season at 5-0 in addition to her nation-leading seven saves.

THE BEGINNING

Offense did not come easy for Florida Atlantic despite leadoff walks to open both the bottom of the first and second innings. Sophomore shortstop Kiley Channell recorded the game's first hit on either side in the bottom of the third, but it took until the fifth to put runners in scoring position when Florida Atlantic loaded the bases but were left stranded.

Junior pitcher Autumn Courtney made her 12th start of the season and held Charlotte hitless through the first five innings while tossing eight strikeouts in the process. A single followed by a two-run home run from the 49ers in the top of the sixth ended the scoring drought for both teams and required the Owls to play from behind, a position they have thrived in for much of the season.

THE TURNING POINT

A leadoff walk for junior Chloe Yeatts in the bottom of the sixth, her third of the game, made way for pinch runner Abby Ota. The senior advanced to second base on a wild pitch and was able to finally put FAU on the board off a double to center field from Gibson. One out later, freshman outfielder Bella Foran logged a single to score Gibson and tie the game.

Lambert entered the game in the top of the seventh to set up the thrilling finish. It took just nine pitches for three outs, as the Owls headed into the bottom of the seventh tied 2-2.

THE FINISH

Channell opened the final frame with a double to right center, immediately putting the winning run in scoring position. Two more Owls ended up on base before Gibson brought her home with a deep hit to center to complete the comeback.

QUOTABLE

Coach Clark on tonight's win.#WIP🏝️ pic.twitter.com/W7wO9xN5Pu
— Florida Atlantic Softball (@FAUSoftball) March 22, 2025

NOTES/NOTABLE

Florida Atlantic is the only undefeated team in AAC play.
10 straight victories is the longest winning streak in Head Coach Jordan Clark's career and the most by the program since 2016.
The Owls now have 12 comeback wins this season, tied for second most in the nation.
Lambert's ERA drops to 1.14, ranked 14th nationally. She has not allowed an earned run in her last five appearances.
Channell went 3-for-4 at the plate.
Yeatts recorded her second game with three walks.
Foran continues to lead the conference in both hits (43) and batting average (.467).
With the leadoff walk in the bottom of the first, redshirt sophomore OF Kylie Hammonds has reached base in 28 out of 32 games this season.

UP NEXT

The series continues on Saturday, March 21. First pitch will take place at 2:05 p.m. on ESPN+.

FOLLOW THE OWLS

For the Owls' complete schedule, click HERE. To follow the team socially, visit @fausoftball, or for the most up-to-date information, go to www.fausports.com.