The train keeps on chugging along for FAU softball, as the Owls hosted Wichita State to open AAC play this past weekend and swept the Shockers in 3 games. Wichita State eliminated the Owls during the AAC tournament a season ago and the series this past weekend effectively put that loss in the rear view mirror and sent FAU into rolling into AAC play with momentum.
The Owls are now winners of 6 in a row and look to be firing on all cylinders, as they have outscored their opponents 27-2 over the last 4 games and if the pitching and hitting continue to fire on all cylinders this will be a very tough team to beat. Whether it was newcomers like Autumn Courtney, Destiny Johns or Chloe Yeatts, or returners like Jaden Martinez, Jesiana Mora or Kiley Channell, everyone got involved this weekend against Wichita State and this team looks to be playing with a supreme level of confidence.
Now the Owls will hit the road for the first time during AAC play, as they head to UAB for a road series against the Blazers, who are led by former FAU assistant Taylor Smartt. Although Clark is happy for her former assistant getting a head job, there will be no love lost as the Owls look to continue their win streak in Birmingham.
Before the Owls take on UAB, here are 3 takeaways from the past weekend, as well as a look at the Blazers.
Autumn Courtney and the Owls pitching staff makes a statement to open AAC play
Jordan Clark’s comments about her pitching staff having 3 aces are widely known by this point and against Wichita State the Owls arms delivered once again. Autumn Courtney, Gabby Sacco, Jaden Martinez and Ainsley Lambert combined to allow 2 earned runstotal this past weekend against Wichita State and against one of the expected top teams in the AAC the Owls pitching staff proved they belong.
Their success started right away in the first game, as under the light Friday night Autumn Courtney delivered a gem, pitching a complete game, allowing only one run while striking out 6 en route to a 4-1 FAU victory. On Saturday afternoon, Jaden Martinez allowed one run over 5.1 and although she ran into trouble in the 6th, that was no problem as ‘Ol Reliable Ainsley Lambert came out of the pen and shut the door, retiring 5 in a row to cap off a 3-1 FAU win.
In the final game on Sunday afternoon, Gabby Sacco got the start and pitched 2.2 scoreless and Autumn Courtney came in the 3rd and finished it off, allowing only 2 hits and striking out 2, while walking none in a 5-0 Owls win to clinch a series sweep. There was little issue for the FAU pitching staff this weekend and when there were slight hiccups, Clark called upon Lambert and Courtney out of the bullpen who did their job without issue.
Chloe Yeatts brings the offense
FAU knew what they were getting when they brought in Chloe Yeatts this offseason, as the New Mexico transfer finished her 2 seasons with the Lobos batting .283 with 15 homers and 65 RBIs and her first series in AAC play showed that same level of production came to paradise. Against the Shockers, Yeatts recorded an RBI during each game of the series, batting .333 with 6 RBIs and 2 XBHs this past weekend.
In game one on Friday, Yeatts broke the game opening with a 2 RBI double in the bottom of the 5th which gave the Owls all the runs they needed in a 5-1 victory to open the series. On Saturday, she opened scoring in the bottom of the second with a sac fly which scored Jesiana Mora and set the table for the Owls 4-1 win.
Finally on Sunday, Yeatts struck again with a 3 run homer in the bottom of the 6th which once again broke the game open and sealed the deal for a 5-0 Owls series sweep. Yeatts has pop in her bat and the ability to get timely hits and if she continues her hot streak at the plate, the Owl lineup will continue to be dangerous.
Jordan Clark wins 100th career game
Not only did the Owls clinch a sweep with their win over Wichita State on Sunday, the win was also head Coach Jordan Clark’s 100th career victory. Clark accomplished the feat in just her 3rd season as a head coach, all with FAU, and she currently sits with a career record of 100-40.
Clark has wasted no time getting FAU back into the National spotlight during her 3 seasons at FAU, reaching an NCAA regional via an At-Large bid this season and this year should they win a few more AAC series they will be in a position for one again, however the goal this year remains winning the AAC tournament. Through one series of AAC play, the Owls look yo have a shot at competing for an AAC title and one thing that is certain is that with Clark at the helm, the Owls will continue to compete for that title until it’s theirs or out of reach.
The future is extremely bright for the softball program at FAU and Clark is a big reason behind that, as her expectations are that it is to be run like a power program and so far this approach has worked out to success on the field and off of it with recruiting and stadium enhancements. Look for more to come from Clark and the FAU softball program over the next few years, as they continue their ascent into the national spotlight and beyond.
Up next
On the road against UAB 3/14-3/16
Blazers Record: 11-13 (1-2 AAC)
Blazers Pitcher to Watch: Caroline Mclendon, 5-4, 4.23 ERA, 30SO-17BB
Blazers hired to watch: Bella Wiggins, .465 BAA, 9 RBIs, 8 XBHs
Key wins: 1 vs South Florida