Nichols Shines In Complete Game Shutout Over FIU

Friday, February 15

Fort Myers, Fla.

2:30 PM

University of Memphis

3-3

FIU

5-2

Memphis

FIU

Photo by: Michael Stires

Feb 15, 2019 | Softball

Box Score

Baylee Smith drives in three to lead Memphis offensively

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The University of Memphis softball team started strong at the FGCU Invitational with a 4-0 victory over FIU Friday afternoon. The Tigers evened their season record to 3-3 overall with three games remaining on the schedule this weekend.

"I'm not just proud of the win, but the way we won," said head coach Natalie Poole. "Mariah (Nichols) pitched a great game for us. We only allowed the lead-off runner on in one inning. We played good defense behind Mariah. Offensively, we showed up from the beginning of the game."

Nichols pitched a complete game shutout for the Tigers, the first of her career. She allowed just three hits and struck out five in the victory. Baylee Smith and Alyssa Dean highlighted the offense for Memphis as each player tallied two hits and Smith drove in a team-high three runs.

Memphis struck early against the Panthers. In the top of the first inning, Samantha Ibison drew a walk and advanced to second on a single to center by Gracie Morton with one out. Two batters later, Ibison crossed home plate after a pair walks. Smith then drove in the second run of the inning, a sacrifice fly to right field.

Smith registered her first home run of the season in the top of the fourth inning to give the Tigers a 3-0 lead. At the hands of Smith once again in the sixth, the Tigers added an insurance run on an RBI double to center field. Jessie Lamb scored on the play after pinch running for Ashley Threatt.

The Tigers finished with six hits and drew four walks. Nichols improved to 1-2 on the year after her complete game performance.

Notables

Ashley Threatt extended her on base streak to eight games after drawing a pair of walks.
Baylee Smith joined Regan Hadley as the team leader with three multi-RBI games this season. She also hit her first home run this season.
Alyssa Dean finished with her first career multi-hit game which included a double in the second inning.
Mariah Nichols pitched her first career complete game shutout. She contributed to two combined shutouts during her freshman campaign.
Samantha Ibison recorded her team-leading ninth hit.

Up Next
Memphis continues play Saturday with two games at the FGCU Invitational. The Tigers will compete against FIU one more time during the regular season at 9 a.m. CT and follow that up with a 1:30 p.m. CT contest against Lamar. For more information on the Memphis softball team, follow the Tigers on social media at @MemphisSoftball.