BAY MINETTE, Ala. - After 14 games on the road to begin the 2026 season, Coastal Alabama - South Softball opened its home schedule on Feb. 25, battling NJCAA Division II's second-ranked Jones College (Miss.) to a doubleheader split on the Bay Minette campus. The Coyotes dropped a high-scoring opener before responding with a gritty 5-4 victory in game two against one of NJCAA Division II's top teams.
The overall record advances to 10-6 ahead of another big doubleheader on Mar. 3 in Bay Minette.
Game One: Jones College 12, Coastal Alabama - South 7
Jones College struck early and often in the opener, collecting 18 hits en route to a 12-7 win. The Bobcats used an eight-run second inning to set the tone of the game, eventually taking a 12-3 advantage after five frames. Despite the deficit, the Coyotes' offense refused to fold.
Coastal - South put together a six-run sixth inning to shrink the deficit late, but was unable to complete the comeback. The Coyotes tallied 15 hits, highlighted by multi-hit performances from several players. Brooke Cooper went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs, while Charlotte Lottinger added a two-run homer as part of her 2-for-4 day. Madison Griffith was a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs scored, and Riley Dunnam went 2-for-3 with two walks and an RBI.
The Coyotes closed the gap, but Jones College reliever Morgan Landry entered to secure the final five outs and earn the save. Anna Robin provided steady relief for Coastal, tossing 5.1 innings.
Game Two: Coastal Alabama - South 5, Jones College 4
Game two told a different story.
Jones jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the first inning, capitalizing on early traffic and a Mabry Eason home run. But the Coyotes settled in behind reliever Mackenzie Boullon, and never blinked.
After Sam Daniels allowed three runs (one earned) in the opening frame, Boullon (6.2 IP, 5 H, 1 ER) entered and delivered a composed, dominant outing to earn her first win of the season. The freshman right-hander scattered five hits, walked none, and allowed just one earned run the rest of the way.
Offensively, Coastal chipped away. Sydni Carpenter ignited the dugout with a solo home run and finished 1-for-3 with two RBIs. Brianna Ryan led the Coyotes at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, while Madison Griffith added a 2-for-4 performance with an RBI. Riley Bennett contributed two hits and a run scored.
The Coyotes capitalized on Jones miscues as the Bobcats committed three errors. Meanwhile, Payson Hanson delivered a sacrifice fly that proved crucial in the one-run contest.
Up Next
The split marked an encouraging showing for Coastal Alabama - South against one of the nation's premier programs. The Coyotes demonstrated offensive depth with 24 total hits across the doubleheader and showed resilience in bouncing back against a nationally ranked opponent.
Coastal will look to build on the momentum from its game two victory as the home stand continues in Bay Minette on Tuesday, Mar. 3 where the 'Yotes host Chipola College (Fla.) at 1:00 p.m. CT. Tuesday's action is a doubleheader and will be aired live on JockJive.com.
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