Boca Raton, FL.- Softball in Paradise has returned as the Florida Atlantic Owls enter year 4 of the Jordan Clark era. The Owls, coming off two consecutive American Conference Regular Season Championships and NCAA Tournament berths, are going all in to solidify themselves at the top of college softball.
During this evening’s Opening Day festivities, the Owls kicked off the annual Paradise Classic off in absolute thrilling fashion, taking down the Indiana Hoosiers via the 8-0 run rule in 5 innings. Florida Atlantic dominated in the circle, as 2025 All-American P Autumn Courtney recorded a 5 inning, 8 strike out debut, allowing only 3 hits on the night through 77 total pitches. Once Courtney found her groove, it was game over for the Hoosiers, who couldn’t find contact vs the righty ace’s signature fastballs or rise ball.
“Gamedays are so back, I was so excited! We brought the energy, we delivered and we executed….That’s the standard, that’s the expectation… We all deserve to be here, it’s about making the most of the role you have.” Autumn Courtney stated on her performance tonight
Offensively, the hot bats of Florida Atlantic had no drop in production from last year’s breakout. Center Fielder Kylie Hammonds opened the season in dramatic fashion, launching the inaugural at bat of the 2026 campaign high and deep into center field to give the Owls all the momentum in the world.
Hammonds would reflect on her momentum setting swing by stating:
“I mean it was just really surreal, it’s something you dream of. To see it actually happen was amazing, I had no words….That’s the perfect start. My goal is always to just get on…the fact that it flew over the fence was just awesome.”
FAU would also knock 3 doubles on the day, with Designated Hitter Lily Holtje, Right Fielder Kiley Shelton and Shortstop McKenna ‘JoJo’ Mullholland all making trips to second. Florida Atlantic would call game via the 8-0 run rule as Mullholland would unleash a 2RBI double in the bottom of the fifth inning to seal the deal in her Owl debut.
Following the victory- JoJo Mullholland, a red-shirt senior from Oviedo, FL. spoke about being able to return to the Sunshine State and seal a W in her first game as an Owl:
“Honestly, it means the absolute world to me, I knew I wanted to come back and play in my home state during my last year…. I can’t wait to give my family a big ole hug…The whole day was just surrounded by my teammates and I was saying since this morning- I’m so grateful to be here and I’m so grateful to be playing Opening Day in Florida.”
Florida Atlantic’s 4th year Head Coach Jordan Clark would follow up with her own comments on how Opening Day went:
“I’m feeling relieved….I just know how our girls have been so excited, all the emotions….You come off of one of the best seasons in school history last year, and all everyone can talk about is doing it again…So coming out tonight, offense was good, Autumn was good, it was just a relief.”
After getting the Opening Day W under their belts, the Florida Atlantic Owls prepare for day 2 of the Paradise Classic, where they will face The Ohio State University Buckeyes tomorrow night. First pitch is slated for 6:15 PM.
The entire Paradise Classic schedule for tomorrow stands as follows:
Wisconsin vs. Stonehill- 9AM
Wisconsin vs. Army- 11:15 AM
Stonehill vs. Delaware- 1:30 PM
Indiana vs. Army- 4PM
Florida Atlantic vs. Ohio State- 6:15 PM
Ohio State vs. Indiana- 8:30 PM
