HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Southern Miss volleyball started the 2026 season with a commanding 3-0 victory over Houston Christian on Thursday night at the Wellness Center. The Golden Eagles improved to 5-1 with the win, while the Huskies fell to 1-6.
Southern Miss totaled 40 kills in the match, while holding Houston Christian to a .119 hitting percentage. The Eagles also recorded six blocks and eight service aces in the sweep.
Lillie Johnson led the team with a career-high 13 kills, attacking at a .524 clip on 21 attempts. She added two blocks and contributed five kills in the first set and six in the third. Sadie McAda also reached double figures with 13 kills, and Elly Stewart added six kills while hitting .357. Allie Hazelwood facilitated the offense with 31 assists, and Sunni Sheppard led defensively with 24 digs.
The first set was tightly contested, featuring nine ties and six lead changes. Houston Christian led 23-20 late, but Southern Miss fought back, tying it at 23. After HCU briefly took the lead, McAda and Johnson helped secure the set for the Eagles, 26-24.
Southern Miss carried momentum into the second set, opening with a 7-2 run and extending its lead to 16-8. The Eagles maintained control to win 25-16, with McAda tallying five kills and Johnson contributing three blocks.
The third set was another close battle. The Eagles took an early 4-0 lead but Houston Christian rallied to tie at 13-13 and later led 23-21. Southern Miss responded with four straight points, including back-to-back aces from Stewart, to close out the match, 25-23.
Southern Miss continues the Southern Miss Invitational Friday against Lamar, with matches against Southern and Jackson State scheduled for Saturday. The team encourages fans to follow their social media accounts for updates.
