University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Giardina Earns Sun Belt Pitcher of the Week Honors
4/28/2026 12:00:00 PM | Softball
HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Southern Miss sophomore pitcher Kayla Giardina, a Kenner, Louisiana, native, has been named the Sun Belt Pitcher of the Week following a perfect game on Sunday. The league office announced the honors Tuesday afternoon.
Giardina headlined her two complete-game victories with the fourth perfect game in program history against South Alabama on Sunday. The sophomore allowed just six hits and one walk through 13 innings of work to post a 0.54 ERA on the week. The Kenner, Louisiana, native held hitters to a .136 batting average and recorded just one earned run on the week, leading the team to the sweep over the Jaguars.
"Kayla has been steady all year; however, this week has been especially great for her," said head coach Natalie Poole. "I'm proud of her preparation for her opponent, as well as her in-game execution. She is a true competitor and wanted to be successful for our team. I am proud of who she is and how she competes. I am excited that others recognize how well she competed against a tough competitor."
The right-hander currently leads the league in shutouts, recording five, and walks allowed per seven innings, with 1.14. Her five shutouts rank 15th in the nation, contributing to a season that includes 17 victories and 13 complete games. Those marks both rank in the top four of the conference and the top 40 nationally.
Giardina and the Golden Eagles are back in action for the final series of the regular season, slated to start on April 30 at 6 p.m., against ULM in Monroe, Louisiana. For the latest information on Southern Miss Softball, follow the program on Facebook (facebook.com/SouthernMissSB), X (@SouthernMissSB) and Instagram (@southernmisssb).
