Softball Defeats Jacksonville State, 2-1 in Series Opener

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Clutch pitching and timely plays proved to be the difference maker for Southern Miss (13-6) against Jacksonville State (10-8) in Friday night's series opener, propelling the Golden Eagles to a 2-1 victory.

The sophomore pitching duo of Makenna Pierce and Kaylan Ladner led the way for the Golden Eagles in the contest as they each pitched their way out of multiple jams.

Pierce earned the start in the circle and threw well. In 4.0 innings pitched, Pierce scattered five hits, allowed one run (earned), issued two walks, and registered four strikeouts before giving way to Ladner in the top of the fifth inning.

After taking over in the circle in the top of the fifth inning, Ladner tossed 3.0 innings of scoreless relief, allowed four hits, and two walks.

Pierce (4-0) earned the win and Jacksonville State starter Lexi Androlevich (3-2) suffered the loss. Ladner was credited with the save.

Offensively, freshman catcher Hannah Borden paced the Golden Eagles with a pair of singles.

The Golden Eagles broke though, and captured the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning after redshirt junior second baseman Heather Hill was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and a bases-loaded walk was issued to redshirt sophomore right fielder Kaley Fruge.

Game Notes

Borden registered multiple hits in the contest, marking her sixth multi-hit game of the season.
Sophomore left fielder Madison Rayner notched her sixth triple of the season which currently marks a team best.
With the triple, Rayner extended her hitting streak to 11 games, currently marking the longest active hitting streak on the Southern Miss roster.
Rayner also extended her on-base streak to 13 games, marking the longest current on-base streak on the Golden Eagles' squad.
After collecting her fourth win of the season, Pierce now boasts the best win/loss record on the Southern Miss pitching staff.
Ladner earned her first save of the season.
Ladner's save also marks the first save for any Southern Miss pitcher this season.

Scoring Summary
T4 | Savannah Sudduth singled to center field, scoring Jada Terry (Jacksonville State – 1, Southern Miss – 0).
B4 | Hill was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded which allowed junior third baseman Alyssa "Tata" Davis to cross the plate (Southern Miss – 1, Jacksonville State – 1).
B4 | Fruge drew a bases-loaded walk and junior designated player Amber Pack scored (Southern Miss – 2, Jacksonville State – 1).

Next Game
Southern Miss will return to action tomorrow (Mar. 7) when they take on Jacksonville State in a doubleheader to wrap up the three-game series. The first pitch of game one is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. and game two is set to begin at 1:30 p.m.

Game Promotions
Southern Miss will continue its BOGO Baseball/Softball Ticket promotion for Saturday's doubleheader.

BOGO Baseball/Softball Ticket – Buy one baseball ticket to any game during the series versus Little Rock and receive a FREE general admission ticket to any game of the softball series versus Jacksonville State.

Game Info
Southern Miss' Saturday doubleheader versus Jacksonville State will be live streamed on C-USA TV and SIDEARM Sports live stats will also be provided. The Voice of Southern Miss softball, Jason Baker, will be on the call for the Southern Miss Sports Network from Learfield IMG College on 92.7 The Score FM. Mackenzie Hamilton will provide color commentary for the broadcast. After the doubleheader, a full recap of both games will be posted to SouthernMiss.com along with final stats.

Ticket Info
Fans can purchase tickets to all home Southern Miss softball games by visiting the Pat Ferlise Ticket Office Monday-Friday from the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., by calling (800) 844-TICK (8425), online at SouthernMissTickets.com, or at the main gate of the Southern Miss Softball Complex on game day one hour prior to the first pitch.

*All times are listed in Central Time (CT)*

For all of the latest Southern Miss softball news, fans can follow the official Southern Miss softball Twitter account (@SouthernMissSB), Instagram account (@southernmisssb) and Facebook account (Southern Miss Softball).

Softball Defeats Jacksonville State, 2-1 in Series Opener

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Team Stats

Hannah Borden

Madison Rayner

Karley Nichols

Lacey Sumerlin

Players Mentioned

Hannah Borden

Kaley Fruge

Heather Hill

Kaylan Ladner

Amber Pack

Makenna Pierce

Madison Rayner

Players Mentioned

Hannah Borden

Kaley Fruge

Heather Hill

Kaylan Ladner

Amber Pack

Makenna Pierce

Madison Rayner