Jayhawks Drop Paradise Classic Finale Against Ole Miss

Saturday, February 8

Boca Raton, Fla.

8 a.m. CT

University of Kansas

1-4

Ole Miss

4-1

Kansas

Ole Miss

Jayhawks Drop Paradise Classic Finale Against Ole Miss

2/8/2025 4:08:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

BOCA RATON, Fla. — In their final game at the Paradise Classic on Saturday, the Kansas Jayhawks dropped a close contest against the Ole Miss Rebels, 5-3 at Joan Joyce Stadium.

"We had opportunities throughout the weekend and put ourselves in positions to score," Head Coach Jennifer McFalls said. "Now, we just need to capitalize on those moments, stay tough, and find ways to finish innings on both offense and defense."

In the first inning, Kansas's defense was strong with pitcher Katie Brooks recording multiple strikeouts and third baseman September Flanagan catching a sharp line drive. Senior catcher Natalie Marshall recovered from a passed ball to catch a runner in a rundown for the second out. Flanagan then fielded a grounder cleanly to end the inning.

In the top of the second inning, the Jayhawks loaded the bases with hits from Flanagan, Ava Wallace, and Marshall. However, with two outs, a strikeout after a lengthy at-bat ended the inning without a run.

The Jayhawks took the lead in the top of the third inning. With Hailey Cripe on first base, senior Olivia Bruno hit her first home run of the season to center field, driving in two runs and giving Kansas a 2-1 lead.

Ole Miss tied the game in the bottom of the third inning. Kansas responded in the top of the fourth when Emma Tatum singled to right field, driving in a run to reclaim the lead. The Jayhawks loaded the bases again with no outs, but the Rebels managed to escape the jam without further damage.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Ole Miss scored three runs, taking a 5-3 lead. Kansas's defense held firm in the fifth and sixth innings, preventing further scoring.
In the top of the seventh inning, the Jayhawks had an opportunity to rally with two runners on base and no outs. However, they were unable to capitalize, and Ole Miss secured the win with a final score of 5-3.

UP NEXT
Kansas will wrap up play at the Paradise Classic before hitting the road again for the Wilson Invitational, where they will face another five-team slate.