Owls Hold on in Series Opener Versus Blazers

Thursday, April 30

Boca Raton, Fla.

6:00 PM

Florida Atlantic

32-18, 13-12

UAB

20-31, 7-18

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
UAB	0	0	0	0	4	0	0	4	5	0
Florida Atlantic	0	2	2	1	0	0	X	5	7	0

Photo by: Claire Kaufmann

4/30/2026 9:10:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

By: Ben Paul

BOCA RATON, Fla. – A pair of home runs was the difference maker for the Florida Atlantic softball team in a 5-4 victory over UAB on Thursday evening's series opener.

In front of a record attendance of 907 on Joan Joyce Field at FAU Softball Stadium, the Owls (32-18, 13-12) carried a 5-0 lead over the Blazers (20-31, 7-18) and successfully thwarted a comeback attempt in the final innings.

Senior pitcher Autumn Courtney picked up her 17th win of the season with an eight-strikeout performance, her most in conference play.

THE BEGINNING
The Owls broke open in the bottom of the first inning with back-to-back doubles by redshirt senior second baseman Cameryn Orland, followed by sophomore Lily Holtje, leading to two runs.

Courtney's strong start saw her strike out five batters in her first time through the lineup.

THE TURNING POINT
After redshirt junior outfielder Kylie Hammonds led off the bottom of the third with a single up the middle, senior third baseman Jesiana Mora smacked a first pitch to right field for her eighth home run of the year, doubling the lead to 4-0. Junior outfielder Ciara Gibson later launched a no-doubt shot of her own in the bottom of the fourth to go up 5-0.

A diving catch by sophomore shortstop Hannah Rivers kept the shutout alive in the top of the fifth, but the Blazers loaded the bases, leading to a grand slam that trimmed the deficit to one run.

THE FINISH
A 1-2-3 top of the sixth quickly retired UAB batters. In the bottom frame, the Owls put a runner on base but could not capitalize with a score.

The Florida Atlantic defense produced a second consecutive three-up, three-down in the top of the seventh to secure the opening game of the series.

QUOTABLE

Postgame with @CoachJordanFAU #WIP🏝️pic.twitter.com/FprkTxJxF2
— Florida Atlantic Softball (@FAUSoftball) May 1, 2026

NOTES/NOTABLE

Mora now has eight home runs on the season, tying her career high. With the two-run blast, she reached 40 RBI for the third straight season.
Gibson has recorded 21 RBI in her last 20 games. All seven of her 2026 home runs have come during that span.
Junior outfielder Bella Foran's leadoff hit was the 100th of her collegiate career.
Hammonds extended her team leads in both hits (57) and runs (49).
Courtney's eight strikeouts are one off her season high and most in conference play.

UP NEXT
Friday's first pitch is at 6 p.m. on ESPN+. Fans can bring their pets for "Bark at the Park" and take advantage of $1 hot dogs and $2 beer at concessions, available while supplies last.

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.