FAU Softball Routs Indiana in Season Opener

Owls win 8-0 in five innings to start 2026 campaign

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The Florida Atlantic University softball team opened its 2026 season with an 8-0 shutout victory over Indiana in just five innings. Senior pitcher Autumn Courtney struck out eight batters, while the Owls' offense exploded for five runs in the fifth inning to end the game early via the run rule.

Why it matters

This decisive win over a power conference opponent to start the season is an impressive statement for the FAU softball program, which has been on the rise in recent years. The Owls are looking to build on their success and make a deep postseason run in 2026.

The details

Courtney was dominant in the circle, allowing just three hits while fanning eight Hoosiers. On offense, redshirt junior outfielder Kylie Hammonds got the Owls on the board with a leadoff solo home run in the first inning. FAU then broke the game open with a five-run fifth, highlighted by RBI singles from sophomore Destiny Johns and senior Jesiana Mora, as well as a two-run double from redshirt senior infielder McKenna Mulholland.

  • The Owls opened their 2026 season on Thursday, February 6.
  • Courtney recorded four straight strikeouts in the first four innings.

The players

Autumn Courtney

A senior pitcher for the FAU Owls who struck out eight batters in the season-opening win.

Kylie Hammonds

A redshirt junior outfielder who hit a leadoff solo home run to give the Owls an early 1-0 lead.

Destiny Johns

A sophomore who recorded an RBI single in the Owls' five-run fifth inning.

Jesiana Mora

A senior who also had an RBI single in the decisive fifth inning.

McKenna Mulholland

A redshirt senior infielder who drove in two runs with a double in the fifth inning.

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What’s next

As part of day two of the Paradise Classic, the Owls will face Ohio State on Friday at 6 p.m.

The takeaway

This dominant season-opening win over a power conference opponent is an impressive start for the FAU softball team, which is looking to build on its recent success and make a deep postseason run in 2026.