Southern Miss’ season ended with a 2-0 loss to top-seeded James Madison in the Sun Belt Conference Championship quarterfinals Monday night at Foley Sports Tourism Complex in Foley, Alabama. The Golden Eagles finished 7-7-4 overall and 4-4-2 in conference play. James Madison advanced with a 10-5-3 record, including a 7-1-2 mark in the Sun Belt.
Goalkeeper Logan McGruder made five saves in the first half as Southern Miss weathered early pressure. James Madison took the lead in the 25th minute when Ellie Farrell scored. Ryan Smith had Southern Miss’ best first-half chance, putting a shot on frame in the 23rd minute.
The Golden Eagles generated more chances after halftime, accounting for four of their five shots in the second half while limiting James Madison to four attempts. Maiko Kikuchi sent a shot wide in the 56th minute, but Makenna Kirk extended the Dukes’ lead in the 75th. Smith had a late attempt blocked, and Ava Bynes and Smith each forced a save. McGruder finished with six saves. Smith led Southern Miss with three shots, including two on goal.
In coach Danny Owens’ first season, Southern Miss returned to the conference tournament for the first time since 2023. The Golden Eagles earned four Sun Belt victories and 14 conference points, program highs since joining the league. Their seven overall wins were the most since entering the Sun Belt in 2022.
Southern Miss secured its tournament spot with a 1-0 road win at ULM on the final day of the regular season. The team also won conference road games at Arkansas State and South Alabama, recorded five regular-season shutouts and went 4-3-2 across its final nine league matches.
Bynes led Southern Miss with six goals, three assists and 15 points. Shaelynn Quick scored five goals and totaled 10 points while spending much of the season on defense. Quick earned Third-Team All-Sun Belt honors. The team’s next season is 2027.
