MOBILE, Ala. – Appalachian State University softball dropped its ninth-straight conference game and the series finale at South Alabama, 8-0 in five innings on Sunday.

The Mountaineers (9-16, 0-9 Sun Belt) generate just two hits of offense and couldn't recover from a Jaguar five-run first inning.

In the first, the Jaguars (21-6, 5-3 Sun Belt) put up five runs on an RBI single, sac fly and a three-run homer to stake themselves to the early 5-0 advantage.

The best opportunity for Appalachian came in the fourth inning when Pepper Butler singled on a bunt to lead off, which was followed by a Sarah Warnock single up the middle.

After both Butler and Warnock stole bases and give the Mountaineers runners on second and third base with no outs, App State didn't get a ball to leave the infield in three at-bats.

For the series, the Apps finished 1-for-17 with runners in scoring position. However, with the bases empty the Mountaineers went 10-for-34.

With a 5-0 lead in the fifth, South Alabama got what they needed to close out the game. Jaguar pinch hitter Kristian Foster drove a double to the left-center field gap to score two runs, while the game-ending run came home on a throwing error.

Vanessa Ciocatto started the game and pitched one inning, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits. Katherine Johnson entered the game in relief and pitched one inning, allowing just one hit and walking one.

The remainder of the shortened contest was covered by Alissa Schoelkopf who pitched 2.1 innings. The senior gave up three runs (two earned) and five hits to go with two walks and two strikeouts.

The Mountaineers will return to action for a mid-week doubleheader on Wednesday, March 25 at Campbell University. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. with the second game immediately following.