GULF SHORES, Ala. – The United States Sports University softball team opened the 2026 Gulf Coast Invitational with a 10-1 run-rule victory over (RV) Saint Xavier (Ill.) on Friday at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex.
 
The Eagles (2-11) responded after Saint Xavier (8-7) scored in the bottom of the first, erupting for four runs in the second inning to take control. Desiree Denmark drove in a run with a bases-loaded walk, Irina Sanford followed with an RBI fielder's choice and Morgan Courtney lifted a sacrifice fly. Kassidy (Rowdy) New later reached on an error that allowed another run to score and gave USSU a 4-1 lead.
 
USSU added three more runs in the fourth. Ahlexus Lackey doubled home a run, Annabeth (AB) Parrish brought in another with an RBI groundout and Aralee Beene followed with an RBI double to extend the lead to 7-1.
 
The Eagles continued to add on with a run in the fifth and two in the sixth. Sanford delivered an RBI single and Courtney recorded her second sacrifice fly of the game to cap the scoring.
 
Courtney finished with two sacrifice flies and two RBIs. Sydney Taylor recorded a season-high three hits while New finished with two hits, extending her hitting and reached base streaks to seven games and recording her team-leading fifth multi-hit game of the season.
 
Lackey and Courtney each drove in two runs while Sanford also recorded two RBIs. Three Eagles recorded multiple hits. Lackey, Isabelle Calagaz and Beene each doubled as part of USSU's 11-hit effort.
 
Breana Barnes (1-5) earned her first win of the season, allowing one run on seven hits over six innings with three strikeouts in her sixth complete game of the year.
 
Eagle Echoes
Head Coach Morgan Cinello

 
Breana Barnes, Pitcher, Jr.

 
Up Next
The Eagles close the weekend at the Gulf Coast Invitational against Georgetown (Ky.) and Thomas (Ga.) starting Saturday at 6 p.m. (CT).
 
FOLLOW THE EAGLES
For complete coverage of United States Sports University softball, follow the Eagles on social media @ussusoftball(X), /ussusoftball (Facebook), @ussusoftball (Instagram) or visit the official home of USSU athletics at ussueagles.com