Southern Miss Softball Splits Day One of the Getterman Classic

WACO, Texas – The Southern Miss softball team (6-2) split day one of the Getterman Classic, defeating UT Arlington (2-5), 5-3 in their first game of the day and falling to #16 Baylor (6-2), 3-1 in the nightcap.

The Golden Eagles benefited from an outstanding start by true freshman pitcher Kaylan Ladner who quieted the bats of the Mavericks lineup for most of the game.

The first run of the game came in the top of the fourth inning when Samantha Papp singled on a sharply hit ball to the left side of the infield, allowing Chase Nelson to score from third base.

Southern Miss' second run of the fourth inning came after Destini Brown stole third base and then scored on a fielding error.

UT Arlington got on the board in the bottom of the fifth inning via a single to left field from the bat of Melanie Mendoza that allowed Whitney Walton to score.

Leading 2-1 entering the top of the sixth inning, the Golden Eagles tacked on three more runs to their total courtesy of a double from Lacey Sumerlin that plated Caroline Casey and a double from Kaley Fruge that scored both Papp and Sumerlin.

UT Arlington made some noise in the bottom of the seventh inning by loading the bases with no outs.

Ladner who provided the Golden Eagles with outstanding pitching exited the game in the bottom of the seventh, giving way to fellow freshman pitcher Makenna Pierce.

The Mavericks picked up two runs in the seventh inning after Cy'Andria Newton scored on a fielder's choice and Kayci Moore scored on a throwing error.

After entering the game in a tough spot by inheriting a bases loaded jam, Pierce worked her magic and pitched her way out of it to help Southern Miss secure a 5-3 victory.

Ladner earned the win, improving her record to 2-0. The freshman finished the game with a final line of 6.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, and 1 K.

After a brief break, Southern Miss hit the field again, squaring off against the host team #16 Baylor.

Junior pitcher Abby Trahan earned the start for the Golden Eagles in game two. Trahan threw well and ended the night with a final line that read, 6.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R and 2 ER against one of the top teams in the country.

Trahan kept the Bears off of the scoreboard in the first two innings. Baylor's breakthrough came in the bottom of the third inning when Kassidy Krupit singled to right field, scoring Taylor Ellis.

The Bears scored another run in the bottom of the third inning on a sacrifice fly by Goose McGlaun which scored Nicky Dawson.

Krupit plated Baylor's final run of the game by sending a sacrifice fly to deep center field which allowed Lou Gilbert to cross the plate.

Southern Miss refused to go away quietly and fought until the very end of the game. Freshman leadoff hitter Madison Rayner put a run on the board for the Golden Eagles in the bottom of the seventh inning after drilling a double to left center, scoring Beth Taylor.

Unfortunately, Taylor's run would eventually prove to be the only one that the Golden Eagles manufactured in the contest.

Southern Miss will now look to their next game which will be played at 10:00 a.m. (CT) on Saturday, February 16 at Getterman Stadium on the campus of Baylor University. The Golden Eagles will take on Sam Houston State (3-4).

Fans can follow the Golden Eagles in the Getterman Classic via live updates through the official Southern Miss softball Twitter account (@SouthernMissSB) or via the SIDEARM Sports live stats links located on the home page southernmiss.com.

Southern Miss Softball Splits Day One of the Getterman Classic

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Team Stats

Madison Rayner

Sarah Van Schaik

Samantha Papp

Kaley Fruge

Players Mentioned

Destini Brown

Caroline Casey

Kaley Fruge

Kaylan Ladner

Chase Nelson

Samantha Papp

Makenna Pierce

Madison Rayner

Lacey Sumerlin

Beth Taylor

Abby Trahan

Players Mentioned

Destini Brown

Caroline Casey

Kaley Fruge

Kaylan Ladner

Chase Nelson

Samantha Papp

Makenna Pierce

Madison Rayner

Lacey Sumerlin

Beth Taylor

Abby Trahan