Owls Take Rubber Match at Charlotte

Sunday, March 8

Charlotte, N.C.

10:00 AM

Florida Atlantic

19-7, 2-1

Charlotte

13-12, 1-2

Florida Atlantic

Charlotte

Photo by: JC Ridley

3/8/2026 2:18:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

By: Ben Paul

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Florida Atlantic softball team scored six late runs to defeat host Charlotte by a score of 7-1 on Sunday morning.

In the series finale of their American conference opener, the Owls (19-7, 2-1) leaned on a strong outfield defensive performance before piling on six runs between the fifth and six innings to clinch the series over the 49ers (13-12, 1-2).

Senior Autumn Courtney made her second start in three days and pitched an effective four innings, allowing just one run on the way to improving her record to 8-4. Graduate pitcher Ainsley Lambert picked up a three-inning save.

THE BEGINNING
Redshirt junior outfielder Kylie Hammonds continued to do it all for Florida Atlantic, drawing a leadoff walk to open the game and scoring a run off the RBI single by senior first baseman Yani Guzman. In the bottom of the frame, her acrobatic leap robbed Charlotte of a home run.

The 49ers eventually tied the game with a solo shot in the bottom of the second.

THE TURNING POINT
After two full scoreless innings, the Owls broke the ice in the top of the fifth, getting on base with a hit from sophomore outfielder Bella Foran. A double by sophomore Lily Holtje led to a throwing error by Charlotte, which Foran capitalized on for the go-ahead run.

Lambert entered in relief of Courtney in the bottom of the fifth and worked her way around a bases-loaded jam to maintain the lead.

THE FINISH
The Owls batted around the top of the sixth and put five runs on the board. Senior first baseman Yani Guzman bookended the inning, leading off with a double and her pinch runner, freshman Lily Lowery, then scoring on a fielder's choice.

After a double from redshirt senior McKenna Mulholland, shewas driven in by a Hammonds RBI single.A series of 49ers miscues then ensued with three more runs off two wild pitches and a fielder's choice to grow the lead to 7-1.

Lambert kept every comeback window closed, retiring six-straight batters to close the game and earn her fourth save of the season.

QUOTABLE

Postgame with @CoachJordanFAU and @HammondsKylie #WIP🏝️ pic.twitter.com/NQ0Z1dzsKz
— Florida Atlantic Softball (@FAUSoftball) March 8, 2026

NOTES/NOTABLE

In the Owls' last 14 wins, they are outscoring opponents 115-24.
Hammonds finishes the weekend going 6-for-8 at the plate with six runs, three home runs, four RBI, and five walks.
Guzman has a hit in 12 out of her last 13 appearances and multiple in four out of her last six.
Holtje has reached base safely in 18 consecutive games.
Lambert takes the lead in the American with four saves while Courtney's eight wins are most in the conference.

UP NEXT
Florida Atlantic returns to Joan Joyce Field at FAU Softball Stadium for a three-game series against East Carolina from Friday, March 13 to Sunday, March 15. Friday's first pitch is at 6 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.