Softball Hosts Troy for Three-Game Series

HATTIESBURG, Miss.-- The Southern Miss softball team (15-12, 0-6 Sun Belt) welcomes Troy (23-9-1, 4-1-1 Sun Belt) for a three-game series this weekend at the Southern Miss Softball Complex.

Last time out
On Sunday in Huntington, W. Va. Southern Miss softball team was defeated 4-0 by Marshall. After a walk and two singles in the bottom of the second, the Herd had the bases loaded with one out and were able to walk in a run. The Thundering Herd loaded the bases once more in the bottom of the fourth and advanced Alex Coleman on a fielding mistake before walking one in. After Lauren Love singled to center field and Brooklyn Ulrich doubled to center, Marshall would extend their lead in the fifth inning. When Coleman grounded out to second base, she would finally make it home to bring the Herd's scoring to a close. After allowing seven hits and six walks, Morgan Leinstock (8-9) was given the loss. Notably, Jana Lee went 3-2 at the plate and contributed two of the Golden Eagles' four hits.

Scouting the opponent
First-season head coach Eric Newell leads the Trojans. Taylor McKinney, a sophomore utility player, is the Trojans' offensive leader at the plate, batting.375 with 36 hits, 33 RBIs, and eight home runs. Leanna Johnson leads the team in the circle with a 1.20 ERA, a season record of 17-3, and 122 strikeouts. In the preseason coaches poll, Troy was predicted to finish fourth, and as of this weekend, they have a record of 23-9-1 overall and 4-1-1 in conference play. This past weekend in Monroe, they triumphed in the series against ULM.

Series history
Matches dating back to 1988 give Troy a 16-7 advantage in the overall standings. These two teams last met on March 6, 2021, for a doubleheader at the Auburn Invitational. Only four hits were recorded by the Golden Eagles in game one. Left fielder, Karley Nichols was responsible for two hits and notched one RBI. Terrica Williams had a successful day at the plate by collecting three RBIs. The Golden Eagles still had a lead as the seventh inning began, but the Trojans took advantage of a chance to score on a two-RBI double. The Black & Gold could not overturn the gap and lost the opening game 5-4.

Destini Brown, who had two doubles and two base steals in game two, was the Golden Eagles' star performer. Tata Davis, who had two singles and drove in two RBIs, was essential to the Golden Eagles' victory. The Black & Gold were trailing the Trojans by a point going into extra innings. Heather Hill, third baseman, would take advantage of a chance to win the game by hitting a line drive over Troy's left fielder. Davis would be sent in for the score and the victory after this punch. A 4-3 walk-off victory by the Golden Eagles brought the Auburn Invitational to a close.

First pitch Friday is set for 6 p.m. and Saturday, and Sunday's game is slated for 2 p.m. and 12 p.m. Season and single game tickets are available on SouthernMisstickets.com.

For the latest information on Golden Eagle Softball, follow the program on Facebook (facebook.com/SouthernMissSB), Twitter (@SouthernMissSB), and Instagram (@southernmisssb).

Softball Hosts Troy for Three-Game Series

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Destini Brown

Tata Davis

Jana Lee

Morgan Leinstock