After a disappointing series sweep in Gainesville, the Rebels kicked off a five-game homestand last night with a win against Jacksonville State. Three consecutive losses to the top-ranked Florida Gators dropped Ole Miss only two spots to No. 20 in the nation coming into the game. Ole Miss, claiming one of the toughest schedules in the NCAA, entered the matchup against Jacksonville State with 31 wins. The Gamecocks of JSU began the day with 34.
Ole Miss softball versus Arkansas on April 23, 2016, in Oxford. Photos by Joshua McCoy/Ole Miss Athletics @olemisspix
The matchup of high-energy offenses began on a sore note for the Rebels. JSU outfielder Stephanie Lewis’ hit brought in Taylor Sloan to put Ole Miss down one run in the top of the first inning. After the early slip, Rebel pitcher Kaitlin Lee refused to let the game get out of hand and shut down Jacksonville State’s offense, only allowing four hits in the remainder of the matchup.
On the offensive end, the Rebels battled through the next two innings but were unable to bring runners in due to a series of base-running blunders. In the third inning, all the pieces came together, and Sarah Van Schaik connected on a hard-driven shot to third base that brought Elantra Cox home, tying the score at one.
Bats on both sides seemingly stalled for the next 3 1/2 innings, as neither team was able to break the tie. In the bottom of the seventh, Ole Miss turned up the intensity with its last opportunity to stop the losing skid before heading to extra innings. After quickly loading the bases with one out, Miranda Strother came to the plate. With ducks on the pond, she executed perfectly. A hard grounder to the JSU shortstop allowed Ashton Lampton to reach home plate with ease and gave the Rebels the 2-1 walk-off victory. The game winner was the third walk-off hit of the season for Strother.
After the game, head coach Mike Smith admitted that the tough series against Florida had taken a toll on the team’s mojo.
“I’m proud of the team’s ability to bounce back and get 10 hits against a great team and pitching staff in Jacksonville State,” he said.
Looking forward, Smith said he hopes the Rebels can carry the success into the weekend’s nationally televised game of the week against in-conference foes Alabama. Going into the team’s final two home series, crucial in improving its record before postseason play, Smith’s focus will be on consistency and making sure his team stays the course. His sights are set on a strong performance in the final weeks before the SEC Tournament and what will presumably be a regional bid.
No. 20 Ole Miss continues its five-game homestand this Saturday through Monday by hosting No. 13 Alabama. Saturday’s series opener will be Senior Day for the Rebels’ four seniors, and Saturday and Sunday’s contests will begin at 6 p.m., both on SEC Network.
