All things considered, Series Two of the AUSL Cup will look bit different as many players are not available. This is because they represented the United States at the World Games in China, taking home the Gold Medal. Nonetheless, the series kicked off in Rosemont as Kayla Kowalik and the Team Gold faced off against Team Blue, captained by Kendra Falby. Here is a recap of the action between both teams.
Without question, it was all Team Gold in this matchup. The offense started early at the Parkway Bank Sports Complex as Kowalik hit a solo home run in the top of the first inning. In the third inning, Danieca Coffey hit a groundout RBI for a 2-0 lead over Team Blue. Next, RBI doubles by Aliyah Binford and Sierra Romero in the sixth pushed the lead to 4-0. Finally, Baylee Klingler added an RBI single to close out the offense for Kowalik’s squad.
CAPTAIN KOWALIK FOR A REASON
— AUSL (@theAUSLofficial) August 20, 2025
Kowalik gives her team an early 1-0 lead!
ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/tOsAuJU2Km
The 5-0 victory for Team Gold saw Kowalik take home MVP 1 honors. She three-for-four at the plate, including the solo homer.
MVP 2 and MVP 3 honors went to pitchers Keilani Ricketts and Montana Fouts, respectively. Ricketts went four innings, allowing three hits while striking out four batters. As for Fouts, the former Crimson Tide star picked up the save as she threw the final three innings and allowed a hit with five strikeouts. Finally, Falby was the Defensive MVP of the game despite the loss.
Keilani Ricketts jumped 15 spots on the All-Star Cup leaderboard to 2nd place after her dominating pitching performance @theAUSLofficial | @OU_Softball pic.twitter.com/qm5HwlZXi3
— blaze | athletes unlimited softball league (@AUSL_Blaze) August 20, 2025
FALBY COVERING GROUND!!!
— AUSL (@theAUSLofficial) August 20, 2025️
ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/h9lh1botNO
On Wednesday, Team Falby will look to get into the win column as they will face captain Sarah Willis and Team Orange at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT on ESPN2. Kowalik and Team Gold will be in search of their second against Team Orange on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT on ESPNU.
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