Ariel Davis hits two home runs as Memphis softball drops games to Kentucky, NC A&T

Memphis opens Blues City Invitational with two losses despite Davis’ power surge

The University of Memphis softball team opened the Blues City Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, with back-to-back losses at home, falling 7-1 to Kentucky and 8-5 to North Carolina A&T. The Tigers left the day 3-8 overall after facing two opponents that delivered key multi-run innings late and early, respectively.

Across the doubleheader, Memphis produced three home runs and saw Ariel Davis record a two-homer game in the nightcap. However, defensive miscues and timely extra-base hits by both opponents proved decisive.

Game 1: Kentucky 7, Memphis 1

The opener developed as a low-scoring game through the first half, with limited offense on both sides in the early innings. Kentucky broke through first on a two-run home run by Allie Blum, then extended its advantage with a solo home run from Maddy Anson as Memphis struggled to generate sustained traffic on the bases.

Memphis’ lone run came in the sixth inning when Mya Clark drove in Paris Brienesse with an RBI single. Brienesse had re-entered as a pinch runner after Kylie Waldrep delivered a pinch-hit double to put a runner in scoring position.

Kentucky separated in the seventh inning with a four-run frame. Anson hit her second home run of the game, Blum added an RBI single, and Carly Sleeman followed with a two-run homer, pushing the Wildcats out of reach.

Game 2: North Carolina A&T 8, Memphis 5

Memphis jumped ahead immediately in the second game, scoring four runs in the first inning. Davis led off the bottom of the first with a home run on the third pitch of the Tigers’ opening at-bat. Aubrey Williams added a two-run home run—her first collegiate homer—and Davis later hit her second home run of the inning to make it 4-0.

The momentum turned in the third inning, when North Carolina A&T scored six runs. The rally included two Memphis errors, an RBI single by Taniyah Thomas, and a grand slam by Jaden James with the bases loaded. The Aggies added one run in the fourth inning on an RBI groundout by Shandi Brown, then capitalized on another Memphis defensive error in the fifth to score again on a bases-loaded RBI single by Ayanna Mears.

Despite Davis finishing the game with 10 total bases—tied for the third-most in a single game in program history—Memphis did not complete a late comeback. Jazmine Chavez delivered 3.0 scoreless innings in relief in the nightcap, striking out four while allowing two hits.

Notable marks and what’s next

• Davis’ two-home run game was the 23rd such performance recorded in program history.
• Memphis committed five errors against North Carolina A&T; seven of the Aggies’ eight runs were unearned.
• Memphis reached 12 team home runs in three fewer games than it did the previous season.

Memphis is scheduled to conclude the Blues City Invitational on Sunday with games against Bradley (3 p.m.) and Indiana State (5 p.m.).