HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Southern Miss softball (32-20, 13-7 Sun Belt) edged South Alabama (27-23, 11-9 Sun Belt) 3-2 in the eighth inning Saturday to win the series at the Southern Miss Softball Complex.
Kayce Bennett delivered the game-winning hit in the bottom of the eighth, drawing a walk and then scoring on a walk by Julia Glasgow. Bennett’s walk forced the bases loaded, and Glasgow’s walk brought in the winning run, ending the game.
Southern Miss tied the game in the sixth inning when Bennett hit her fourth home run of the season, a solo shot to right center. McCall Davis earned her first career win in relief, allowing one hit over five innings and striking out three batters.
South Alabama scored first, taking a 1-0 lead in the second inning on a two-out single. The Jaguars added a second run in the third on a solo home run to center field. The Golden Eagles responded in the same inning when Hannah Christian drove in Abbi Troquille on a single, making it 2-1.
The game extended into extra innings, with Davis holding South Alabama at bay in the eighth. Southern Miss’s offense came alive in the bottom of the frame, culminating in Bennett’s walk-off walk to secure the victory and the series sweep.
The Golden Eagles have now won six conference series this season, tying a program record set in 2004. Hannah Christian is tied for 22nd nationally with 69 hits, and Nealy McManus has 116 assists, placing her among the top 20 in the country.
Southern Miss will continue the series against South Alabama on Sunday at noon. Follow the team on Facebook, X, and Instagram for updates.
