James Madison University softball lost both games of a doubleheader against South Alabama on March 28 at Veterans Memorial Park. The Dukes were defeated 6-0 in the first game and 5-2 in the second.
The outcome leaves James Madison with a record of 15 wins and 17 losses overall, including three wins and five losses in Sun Belt Conference play. South Alabama improved to a record of 22 wins and 15 losses, with six wins and two losses in conference games.
In the first game, South Alabama’s offense was led by Sydney Stewart, who helped open the scoring through aggressive baserunning. The Jaguars scored three runs in the fourth inning with contributions from Kara Wine, Stewart, and Ansleigh Smith. Ryley Harrison pitched a complete game for South Alabama, recording nine strikeouts.
The second game saw Kendra Lewis hit a two-run home run for James Madison in the first inning. However, South Alabama quickly responded as Presley Lively tripled home a run before Olivia Branstetter tied the score with a solo home run. The Jaguars took control later in the game with RBI hits from Smith and Brooklynn Bockhaus and an additional RBI single from Wine.
James Madison pitcher Kirsten Fleet struck out seven batters over five innings while allowing only one earned run across both games. Cali Legzdin recorded two hits for JMU during the second matchup.
The Dukes will aim to end their weekend series on a positive note when they face South Alabama again tomorrow at noon. The final game will be available for viewing on ESPN+.
