Trailing by one run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, sophomore second baseman Destiny Johns lined a two-run single into the outfield to lift Florida Atlantic University Athletics to a dramatic 6-5 victory over the Kansas Jayhawks on Thursday night at the Joan Joyce Classic in Boca Raton. The win gave the Owls a momentum-building result in front of the home crowd at FAU Softball Stadium and showcased the resilience that has defined their early 2025 season.
Florida Atlantic (7-5) entered its final at-bat trailing 5-4 after Kansas reclaimed the lead in the top half of the inning. Down to their last out with a runner aboard, the Owls loaded the bases to set the stage for Johns, who stayed composed and delivered the game-winning hit into right-center field, scoring two and sending the dugout pouring onto the field in celebration.
Kansas (7-5) struck first with two quick runs in the top of the first inning, putting immediate pressure on the home team. FAU answered in the bottom half behind senior first baseman Madison Inscoe, who drove in two runs with a sharp single to tie the game. Inscoe finished with three RBIs, marking her most productive outing of the young season and providing a steady presence in the middle of the order.
The Jayhawks briefly regained control with a solo home run in the third, but FAU continued to counter. Senior third baseman Jesiana Mora sparked the offense later in the game, helping the Owls keep pace as the teams traded momentum throughout the middle innings.
In the circle, FAU used a combination of arms to keep the deficit manageable. After surrendering early runs, the pitching staff settled in and limited Kansas’ opportunities late, giving the offense a chance to respond. According to the official box score on NCAA.com (https://www.ncaa.com/), FAU’s bullpen held Kansas scoreless in key late situations before the decisive seventh inning rally.
The victory carried added significance for the Owls, who earlier this week suffered a walk-off loss at FGCU. This time, FAU flipped the script, showing poise under pressure and capitalizing when it mattered most.
The Joan Joyce Classic, named after the legendary FAU coach and softball icon, annually brings competitive programs to Boca Raton and serves as a measuring stick in nonconference play. The tournament field this year includes regional programs and Power Five competition, giving FAU opportunities to build its résumé before conference play begins. The Owls compete in the American Athletic Conference, one of the nation’s competitive leagues in college softball (https://theamerican.org/), and strong early-season performances are critical as postseason positioning begins to take shape.
Kansas, a member of the Big 12 Conference, entered the matchup looking to build its own momentum. The Jayhawks’ offensive production was highlighted by timely extra-base hits and aggressive base running, but they were unable to close out the final frame. More information on Kansas softball can be found on the program’s official athletics site (https://kuathletics.com/), which details its nonconference slate and roster.
For FAU, the comeback underscored a balanced effort. Inscoe’s three RBIs anchored the offense, Mora delivered timely contributions, and Johns provided the signature moment. Defensively, the Owls tightened up after the early innings, making routine plays and limiting additional damage that could have stretched the margin beyond reach.
The late rally also reflected improved situational hitting. With runners on and the pressure mounting, FAU strung together quality at-bats rather than chasing pitches outside the zone. That discipline paid off when Johns connected on the decisive swing.
The win keeps FAU on track as it continues tournament play this weekend in Boca Raton. With conference action looming, each nonconference contest carries added importance for NCAA Tournament positioning and confidence building.
Thursday’s thriller at Joan Joyce Field offered a snapshot of what this team can be: resilient, opportunistic, and comfortable in high-pressure moments. In a game that swung back and forth for seven innings, it was the Owls who delivered the final punch.
