Lynchburg, Va. — Jax State softball tallied a whopping 11 hits to open up Conference USA play against the Liberty Flames, defeating the reigning CUSA champions 9-1 in just six innings at Kamphuis Field on Friday night.

The Gamecocks (15-7, 1-0 CUSA) saw prolific performances all night long at the dish and in the circle as well in Jax State's largest margin of victory over Liberty (6-14, 0-1 CUSA) in the all-time series.

After the first two innings went scoreless, the Gamecocks broke the game wide open in the third inning, beginning with Aria Davis bringing home Mikayla Deville after a fielding error, followed by a three-run double by Ashley Phillips for the first three of her game-high four RBIs on the day.

Jax State continued the scoring onslaught in the next frame, led by Kailey Martin's RBI single into left field that was immediately accompanied by an RBI single by Makalyn Kyser to give the Gamecocks a 6-0 lead at the midpoint of the contest.

The Flames were able to respond on the scoreboard in the fifth inning after an infield single brought a runner home, but it would be the only time Liberty would cross the plate.

Looking to end the night early, Jax State did just that after Davis lifted a double into right center for her second hit of the day to bring home two runners. Later in the inning, Phillips tallied her final RBI of the day after a single that would score Davis and put the game in run rule territory.

Freshman pitcher Makenna Moore was able to finish off the Flames in the bottom of the sixth to secure her fourth win of the season. Moore pitched all six innings for the Gamecocks, allowing just one run off of four hits and two walks, along with a strikeout as well.  

Martin led the team with a game-high three hits, going a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with a walk. Amber Reed, Kyser and Phillips were each able to pick up two hits apiece, and contributed to six of the nine total runs as a group.

The Gamecocks were able to find the gap multiple times as well, knocking four extra-base hits as a team. Morgan Nowakowski, Kyser, Davis and Phillips each picked up a two-bagger for themselves in the win.

Jax State will be back in action for game two of the series against the Flames on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.