Memphis softball drops extra-inning decision to Ball State, then loses late-night shutout to Miami

Back-to-back losses leave Tigers 2-5 after opening day of the 901 Classic

Memphis softball opened play in the 901 Classic on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, with two losses against Mid-American Conference opponents, falling 6-2 in eight innings to Ball State and then 7-0 to Miami (Ohio) in a game that began late Friday night and concluded early Saturday morning.

The results moved Memphis to 2-5 on the young season, while Ball State improved to 4-3 and Miami to 5-2.

Game 1: Ball State breaks through in the eighth after tie game forces extras

Memphis carried a narrow lead into the late innings against Ball State before the game swung on control issues and defensive mistakes.

• Memphis took an early advantage when Paris Brienesse tripled and scored on the same play following an outfield error.
• Pitcher Taniyah Brown navigated repeated traffic on the bases, issuing seven walks in her outing.
• With a chance to finish the game in regulation, Memphis allowed the tying run on a bases-loaded walk, sending the game to extra innings.
• In the eighth, Ball State capitalized under the international tiebreaker, scoring on a wild pitch and a throwing error before Skylinn Pogue’s three-run single opened a decisive margin.
• Memphis added a run back on Mya Clark’s sacrifice fly, but the Tigers were unable to close the gap in the extra frame.

Game 2: Miami scores six in the second inning, Tigers shut out 7-0

The nightcap started at 11:15 p.m. and ended just after 1:20 a.m. Saturday, with Miami building its lead early and holding Memphis scoreless throughout.

• Memphis generated early pressure with Neely Taylor’s double, but the inning ended with Taylor stranded at third.
• Miami broke the game open with six runs in the second inning, highlighted by a three-RBI triple from Bailey Manoes and additional run-scoring hits in the frame.
• The RedHawks added a seventh run in the fourth on a double steal.
• Memphis’ late opportunities included Brylee Butts’ sixth-inning triple and a bases-loaded chance in the seventh, but the Tigers did not bring a run home.

Notables and what’s next

After seven games, Ariel Davis led Memphis in batting average at .409. Clark’s RBI in the opener gave her the team lead with six runs batted in. Memphis also continued to show extra-base speed, reaching six triples through seven games.

Memphis was scheduled to continue 901 Classic play Saturday, Feb. 14, with games against Evansville at 1 p.m. and Kansas City at 3 p.m.