**Late Game Heroics Propel Florida Atlantic University Softball to Historic NCAA Regional Victory**
**GAINESVILLE, Fla.** – In a heart-pounding showdown, the **No. 2-seeded Florida Atlantic softball team** clinched its first NCAA Regional victory since 2016 by defeating **No. 3-seed Georgia Tech** with a thrilling 5-4 walk-off in the eighth inning. The Owls showcased their resilience, igniting a fire within the postseason atmosphere and leaving fans buzzing.
### Exciting Exchange of Leads
In the opening game of the **Gainesville Regional**, a rollercoaster of emotions unfolded as the Owls (45-10) and Yellow Jackets (27-23) traded leads four times in the last three innings alone. It was **sophomore Kiley Shelton** who emerged as the game’s hero, delivering a clutch single to right field with two outs in the bottom of the eighth, securing a sensational victory for Florida Atlantic.
### Pitching Power: Autumn Courtney Shines
**Junior pitcher Autumn Courtney** not only took the mound but also delivered a stellar performance, recording a season-high of 24 wins as she improved to 24-3. Courtney’s prowess was evident as she struck out three batters in the first inning, setting an electric tone for the match.
#### The Early Game Dominance
Courtney’s commanding presence continued through the second inning, where a crucial fourth strikeout left Georgia Tech stranded with runners in scoring position. In an explosive display of talent, **sophomore Bella Cimino** launched a home run to left field, marking her sixth of the year. This pivotal moment ignited the scoreboard and momentum alike.
In the fifth inning, **Ciara Gibson** joined the scoring frenzy with a riveting leadoff home run, giving the Owls a glimmer of hope as they seized a 2-0 advantage. However, the dynamic game took a turn in the top of the sixth when Georgia Tech rallied with three runs to assume a narrow 3-2 lead.
### A Defining Turning Point
The tension escalated in the bottom of the sixth when **freshman Destiny Johns** earned a critical walk that put a runner on base. The subsequent back-to-back doubles from Gibson and Shelton turned the tide once again, propelling FAU ahead 4-3. However, fate had different plans as a dramatic solo home run from Georgia Tech in the seventh tied the game, pushing it into extra innings for the first time since the season opener.
### A Fitting Finale
With a steely resolve, Courtney returned to the circle in the eighth, deftly stranding two Yellow Jacket runners.
The stage was set for an unforgettable finish when Johns reached base on a fielder’s choice. **Gibson, once again a key player**, drew a walk, advancing Johns to second. It was Shelton, the team’s beacon of hope, who delivered the decisive single, sending Johns home and sealing the win with jubilance.
### Notable Highlights
– **17 Comeback Wins**: Florida Atlantic has showcased remarkable resilience this season, tied for the fourth most comeback victories nationally.
– **Shelton’s Stellar Performance**: Batting .444 over her last five games, Shelton’s impact on the team has been indisputable, recording six RBIs.
– **Cimino’s Historic Homers**: Cimino’s home run was the first by an Owl in an NCAA Regional game since May 21, 2016. The team’s achievement of multiple home runs in a single NCAA Regional game is a first in program history.
– **Kylie Hammonds’ Streak**: Hitting safely has become a trend for redshirt sophomore Hammonds, who has reached base in 24 consecutive games.
– **Courtney’s Strikeout King**: With 14 strikeouts across two postseason games, Courtney continues to dazzle on the mound.
### Looking Ahead
The Owls are poised for their next challenge in the NCAA Regionals against **No. 1-seed Florida** (44-14) on Saturday. With first pitch slated for **12 p.m.**, fans are eager for history to unfold as Florida Atlantic aims to clinch a spot in the Super Regionals for the first time ever.
### Follow the Owls
Stay updated with the complete **Owls’ schedule** [**HERE**](https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffausports.com%2Fsports%2Fsoftball%2Fschedule&data=05%7C02%7Cgsilvestre%40fau.edu%7C528ea6bd0d27471aa05e08dd5863c64e%7C63c3c9c1e824413fb4352f0cabb2828f%7C0%7C0%7C638763907751406163%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=t3GhO%2BjVeQi%2B0rZa43cJSdlr1Prq1LRJFb175AmLsvA%3D&reserved=0) or via social media at @fausoftball for live updates and insights. The **Owls’ 2025 postseason** is proudly powered by **Demand the Limits Injury Attorneys**.
