South Alabama softball returns home to host the South Alabama Invitational presented by Marriott Mobile at Jaguar Field, following a strong start to the season with a 4-1 record. They are set to face Central Michigan, Northern Illinois, and Eastern Kentucky on Saturday, and UAB on Sunday. Gabby Stagner and Olivia Branstetter impressed offensively during the NFCA Leadoff Classic, with Stagner named the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week. Senior righty Olivia Lackie shone in the circle, earning a spot on the all-tournament team. The Jaguars have a competitive history in home openers and the South Alabama Invitational, and several players are on the brink of milestone achievements.

• Gabby Stagner batted .529 with four extra-base hits (three doubles and a home run), four runs scored, and four RBIs
• Olivia Branstetter batted .400 and drove in a team-best five runs
• Senior righty Olivia Lackie struck out 25 batters in 16.2 innings of work
• South Alabama holds a 12-5 mark all-time in its 17 home openers
• The Jaguars have recorded three shutouts in their home openers

• The Jaguars have a competitive history in home openers and the South Alabama Invitational with a 17-12 record at the event
• Key players, including Stagner, Willems, and Brasher, have had a hit in the first five games, with Stagner recording multiple hits in three of those contests
• Brasher is 6 stolen bases away from moving into a tie for second for career stolen bases
• The center fielder is also 7 runs scored shy of matching a program record

South Alabama softball returns home with momentum from a strong start to the season, led by standout performances at the plate and in the circle. As they gear up to host the South Alabama Invitational, the team is poised to continue their competitive edge and potentially achieve career milestones for key players.