CUTLINES: McKinnon Howard catches a fly ball during the SBC Tournament in Troy. (Troy University Athletics) 

The Troy Trojans (33-24) saw their 2025 season come to a close on May 7 in the first round of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament in a 5-4 loss to No. 9-seed James Madison Dukes (26-25). 

Troy is hosting the Sun Belt Tournament this season but won’t make it past the first round. It’s the first time Troy hasn’t made it past the first round in the tournament since the COVID-19 season in 2020. 

Troy led 2-0 going into the fourth inning but the Dukes scored five straight runs to go up 5-2 going into the bottom of the sixth. Troy then began to rally with Cassidy Boltz hitting an RBI triple to drive Annie Orman in to cut the lead to 5-3 in the bottom of the sixth inning. Brantley native Kayden Dunn then hit an RBI single to drive Botlz home and bring the Trojans within one run. Troy was unable to get back into scoring position, however, and JMU held on for the win.

“This was a special group of seniors,” Troy Coach Eric Newell said. “I’m going to miss each and every single one of them. They left an indelible mark within this program. They’ve left a foundation so we can grow as a program, and they left an impression on the younger players that will carry over for years. 

“We got off to an early advantage with (Makaley) Boswell leading off with the home run. We were playing well early, and we tried to keep that momentum. But it felt like the train was coming off the tracks for us as JMU got some momentum. And hats off to them. They are a great program that is hot. It’s disappointing to have the season come to a close, but I’m proud of our work all year. This was a special group.”

Caiden Oliva went 2-for-4 with an RBI for Troy, while Makaley Boswell hit a home run and scored two runs. Alyssa Faircloth (15-8) took the loss in the circle, striking out four batters and giving up three hits and four earned runs in five innings pitched. Dilynn Motes and McKinnon Howard earned four putouts each with no fielding errors. 

The Sun Belt Tournament will continue at the Troy Softball Complex through May 10 with the championship game being played at 1:30 p.m.