Owls Outlast Shockers in Pitcher’s Duel

Sunday, March 22

Wichita, Kan.

1:00 PM

Florida Atlantic

21-11, 4-5

Wichita State

18-11, 6-3

Florida Atlantic

Wichita State

Photo by: Jessica Marshall Vernof

3/22/2026 4:58:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

By: Ben Paul

WICHITA, Kan. – Allowing just two hits and no earned runs in a complete game performance, senior pitcher Autumn Courtney led the Florida Atlantic softball team to a 2-1 win over Wichita State on Sunday afternoon.

The Owls (21-11, 4-5) were sparked by a home run from junior outfielder Ciara Gibson before a sacrifice fly RBI by senior catcher Chloe Yeatts was just enough to conclude the three-game series against the Shockers (18-11, 6-3) with the victory.

Courtney improved to 10-5 with her fifth complete game of the season, striking out four batters along the way.

THE BEGINNING
The Shockers loaded the bases and scored an unearned run off an error in the bottom of the first inning before a diving grab by sophomore shortstop Hannah Rivers limited the damage and retired the side.

With her second homer of the season and in as many days, Gibson provided the equalizing run in the top of the third with a solo shot to right field.

THE TURNING POINT
After the initial run allowed, Courtney held the Shockers hitless over the next four innings.

Three straight hits to lead off the top of the sixth put the Owls in scoring position. Though one runner was narrowly ruled out at home, Yeatts' flyout to center field on the next at-bat was deep enough to score redshirt junior outfielder Kylie Hammonds to take the 2-1 lead.

THE FINISH
Courtney remained in the game to finish the job, assisted by a double play led by senior third baseman Jesiana Mora in the bottom frame of the sixth.

Despite two walks by the Shockers in their last round of at-bats, Courtney induced three pop ups to send FAU home with the win.

NOTES/NOTABLE

Sophomore outfielder Bella Foran recorded her second multi-hit game in a row and third in her last five appearances.
Hammonds' hit streak extends to 10 games.
Three of Gibson's last five hits have gone for home runs dating back to 2025.
Courtney's ERA improves to 2.48, third best in the American Conference. Her 10 wins are tied for second.

UP NEXT
FAU will travel to Miami for a midweek matchup against FIU on Wednesday, March 25 at 6 p.m., followed by hosting UTSA on Joan Joyce Field at FAU Softball Stadium for a three-game series beginning on Friday March 27. All four games will be 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.