MOBILE, Ala. – The Georgia State softball team managed just two hits in five innings as the Panthers fell to No. 19 South Alabama 8-0 Friday night in Mobile, Ala. GSU drops to 24-22 overall and 7-6 in the Sun Belt, while the Jaguars improve to 33-8 and 10-4 in conference play this season.

The Panthers went three up and three down in the top of the first inning. South Alabama grabbed a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the frame when Blaire Johnson launched a solo home run to right. The Panthers were retired in order again in the top of second. In the bottom of the inning, the Jaguars stranded runners at second and third when a pop-up ended the second inning with USA leading 1-0.

Center fielder Jessica Clifton reached with a one-out, bunt single back to the pitcher in the top of the third. However, after a strikeout, the inning ended when Clifton was caught trying to steal second. In the bottom of the third inning, South Alabama right fielder Amanda Minahan scored on catcher Alex Breeden's single to give the Jaguars a 2-0 lead after three complete.

After a scoreless top of the fourth for Georgia State, USA scored three runs in the bottom of the inning to extend its lead to 5-0. Pinch runner Alyssa Linn scored on an error by GSU starter Kaitlyn Medlam. Minahan then hit a two-RBI double to plate center fielder Stephanie Pilkington and third baseman Emily Messer.

Georgia State was retired three up and three down in the top of the fifth. In the bottom of the frame, South Alabama scored three runs on one hit and one error to clinch the 8-0 win via run-rule.  

GSU starter Kaitlyn Medlam falls to 16-9 with the loss. She pitched 3.2 innings and allowed five runs on seven innings. Taylor Thorpe and Emily Clay also pitched for the Panthers. South Alabama starter Hannah Campbell earned the win to improve to 14-4 this season. She scattered two hits over five scoreless innings.

The Panthers and Jaguars will wrap up their Sun Belt Conference series with a doubleheader on Saturday, April 19 starting at 12 p.m.