Kayla Giardina Tosses Perfect Game as Southern Miss Sweeps South Alabama

HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Kayla Giardina pitched the first perfect game at the Southern Miss Softball Complex, leading the Golden Eagles to an 8-0 win over South Alabama in six innings Sunday. The victory secured Southern Miss’s first conference series sweep of the season, improving their record to 33-20 overall and 14-7 in Sun Belt play.

Giardina, a senior pitcher, threw just 60 pitches and struck out her 70th batter of the season. She improved to 17-7 with the effort. Head coach Natalie Poole praised Giardina’s performance and leadership, calling it an “amazing day” and “deserved success.”

The Golden Eagles jumped ahead early, scoring five runs in the first inning. Kinsley Gordon-Sivley hit her first home run of the season, a grand slam to left center, capping a bases-loaded situation. Abbi Troquille was hit by a pitch to start the rally, and Carrie Green and Julia Glasgow followed with singles.

Giardina dominated through the middle innings, retiring the side with a strikeout in the second and three straight pop-ups in the third. She continued to keep South Alabama hitless through six innings, with Troquille diving for a lineout in the fourth to prevent a hit.

The Golden Eagles added three runs in the sixth, including an RBI double from Hannah Christian and a costly error by the Jaguars’ shortstop. The game ended early due to run rule after six innings. Green, Glasgow, Bennett, Troquille, Christian, and Gordon-Sivley all contributed offensively, with Gordon-Sivley finishing with four RBIs.

Southern Miss’s coach also celebrated her milestone, noting her 100th win with the program. The team now prepares for a three-game series against ULM in Monroe, Louisiana, starting April 30. The Golden Eagles aim to finish the regular season strong.

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