Softball's Comeback Attempt Falls Short Versus Nicholls

Wednesday, March 20

Thibodaux, La. / Swanner Field at Geo Surfaces Park

6 p.m.

Southern Miss

12-15

Nicholls

17-14

Southern Miss

Nicholls

Softball's Comeback Attempt Falls Short Versus Nicholls

3/20/2024 9:34:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

THIBODAUX, La.-Southern Miss Softball (12-15, 1-2 Sun Belt) fought back from a four-run deficit late in Wednesday night's game at Swanner Field, but Nicholls hit a walk-off solo home run in the ninth inning to escape with a 7-6 win.

After four quick innings from both sides, the game was locked at 1-1. However, Southern Miss fell to a 5-1 deficit after the Colonels pulled ahead with four runs in the fifth.

The Golden Eagles responded in the bottom of the sixth with three runs on two outs. Carlee Durham and Caroline Worrell scored on wild pitches, and Ryanna Valdivia drove in another run with a double.

Southern Miss got exactly what it needed with two runs in the bottom of the seventh. Shelby Allen started the frame with a walk and Kinsley Gordon followed with a single to third base. With two outs, Jana Lee scored both runners with a double to send the game into extra innings.

The Golden Eagles saw an opportunity to score in the eighth inning as Maria Smith advanced to third after reaching on a single. However, Nicholls' ended the frame with a strikeout from Audrey McNeill. McNeill retired the side in order in the ninth, leading to the Colonels' leadoff home run from Mckenzie Champagne to end the game.

McNeill earned the win, while Lee received the loss. Smith led the Golden Eagles with a season-high three hits, including her first triple of the season. Lee, who pitched in relief for starter BrookLynn White, also earned two hits.

Hannah Borden's 16-game hitting streak ended, snapping the fourth-longest active streak in the country and the graduate student catcher's longest streak of her career.

Up Next

Southern Miss returns to Hattiesburg, Miss. for a home series this weekend against Sun Belt opponent Marshall at the Southern Miss Softball Complex. The first game of the series starts Friday at 5 p.m.

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