04/26/2026

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Olivia “Oli” Black set the Florida Gulf Coast University softball team’s Division I career stolen base record Saturday as the Eagles (18-29, 12-8 ASUN) swept an Atlantic Sun Conference doubleheader against Queens University of Charlotte (12-31, 4-16 ASUN), 2-1 and 5-3, to clinch a spot in the 2026 ASUN Conference Championship.

The afternoon belonged to Black, who swiped second in the seventh inning of Game 1 for her 98th career steal, taking sole possession of first place in the FGCU program’s NCAA Division I era. Moments later, K’Mari Williams laced a walk-off RBI single to right-center to secure the victory.

“This one’s got to be up there and I just can’t help but give all the glory to God,” Black said. “I mean he’s just been so wonderful and gracious to me throughout my career and I feel blessed to even be able to be here just receiving this accolade.”

Off the field, Black founded the SAAC Eagle Cup to drive community engagement, a mindset she carries to the field.

“I think that the success on the field doesn’t mean anything unless the team’s going and we work really hard day in and day out to make sure that we are prepared for every weekend and can be successful,” Black said. “It doesn’t mean anything unless the whole team is successful and having a good time.”

FGCU head Coach Lindsay Fico noted that Black’s record-breaking performance was no surprise given her drive.

“We had a senior brunch this morning and I said it there you know anything that Oli Black sets her mind to she’s going to succeed and she’s going to be very successful in life because of that,” Fico said. “I think her setting the record is par for the course. She sets goals and expectations that are really, really high and she’s got the mindset to achieve them. I’m just really, really proud of her and all of her hard work and I’m just happy to see it payoff for her because she absolutely deserves the recognition.”

Grace Taylor (7-9) earned the win with a four-hit complete game, while Queens’ Addison Kluck (9-14) took the loss, allowing just two runs in 6 2/3 innings.

The Royals held a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth behind a Shayna Suttles RBI triple before Nikki Gibson tied it in the bottom of the frame with a sacrifice fly.

FGCU 5, Queens 3

Kiki Daniels provided the game-winner in the nightcap, coming off the bench in the sixth inning to hit a two-run triple that broke a 3-3 tie. Her hit scored Parris Wiggs and Black to secure the sweep.

The clutch performance from Daniels and Game 1 hero K’Mari Williams highlighted the depth of the Eagles’ roster.

“They know that right now that’s what their role is—they’re not necessarily every day starters but they know at any given point their number can be called because of what they both do defensively and offensively,” Fico said. “K’Mari is a kid that does everything right and the softball doesn’t lie and when you do everything right it usually comes back to you two fold.”

Queens had battled back to tie the game in the fifth behind a Sage Farmer RBI double and a two-run single by Lauren Byrd. The Royals’ rally erased an early 3-0 FGCU lead built on a solo home run by Mackenzie Leiti—her team-leading seventh—and two RBI singles from Wiggs.

Julia Bacoulis (8-13) took the win, allowing three runs in five innings, while Taylor returned to throw two scoreless frames for her first save. Lindsay Henson (2-8) took the loss for Queens, allowing three runs in three innings.

Fico praised the performance of her staff after Taylor’s complete-game win in the opener and Bacoulis’ start in Game 2.

“Grace Taylor had a great day. We got the Grace Taylor that we all know and love and we know kind of what she’s capable of,” Fico said. “Julia also did a very good job of starting and setting a tone in that second game.”

Fico noted that despite some defensive mishaps, the staff limited walks and free bases by focusing on the “next play.”

As she prepares to take the field for the final time Sunday, Black reflected on the culture built under the new coaching staff and the emotional start to the weekend.

“I think just collectively all of the moments out here on this field have been so enjoyable and I mean even more so with the new coaching staff coming in this year,” Black said. “I have to tip my cap to them. They know how to bring a culture that is tight knit and it’s more like a family culture. This morning (Saturday) we had a senior brunch with all the families showing up it was emotional. It was fun and it was very, very sweet memories so those are the things I’m going to be holding onto.”

FGCU goes for the series sweep tomorrow. Senior Day ceremonies begin at 12:20 p.m. with first pitch at 1 p.m.