South Alabama Softball Dominates in Mardi Gras Classic 

Bryant Kwilecki | Sports Editor | Feb. 23, 2022

MOBILE, Ala.- South Alabama softball wrapped up the 2023 Mardi Gras Classic here in Mobile and it was a great weekend for the Lady Jags. 

On Friday night, the Jags played two games. One game was a loss to Missouri State with a final score of 3-1, but then the Jags turned it around in game two against Mississippi Valley State (MVSU) with a shutout win of 9-0. The Jags swept the day on Saturday with two wins against Missouri State (MSU) 10-0, and Rutgers 4-1. On Sunday, the Jaguars beat Rutgers again with a 4-0 score to secure the tournament title. They went 4-1 in the tournament and picked up another win at McNeese State on Tuesday evening with a final score of 3-0.

Pitchers Olivia Lackie and Madison Lagle combined to throw a five-inning no-hitter in the team’s victory Friday night over MVSU. Lackie then threw a solo no-hitter on Saturday against MSU as she became the first player in program history to throw back-to-back no-hitters. She struck out 10 batters and only gave up one walk. Lackie was named Sun Belt pitcher of the week. 

In Sunday’s game against Rutgers, infielder Gabby Stagner had two hits along with four runs batted in (RBIs). Victoria Ortiz was also a standout hitter, going two for three at the plate with two runs scored. 

Odalys Cordova, Marley Sims, Jenna Hardy, Meredith Keel, Cruz, Lackie, and Stagner all made the Mardi Gras Classic All-Tournament team for the Lady Jags. The team seems to have found a rhythm in the tournament and hopes to continue their success.