Southern Miss softball defeated Troy 4-2 Friday evening at Troy Softball Complex, with Hannah Christian delivering a two-out, two-run homer in the seventh inning, according to the university’s athletics department.
The Golden Eagles, now 24-13 overall and 5-2 in Sun Belt play, took an early lead but trailed after Troy’s Lydia Kirby hit a double to score two runs in the bottom of the fourth. Christian’s home run put Southern Miss ahead for good in the top of the seventh.
Kayla Giardina earned her 11th win of the season, pitching a complete game with three strikeouts and allowing only one walk, as reported by the university. Troy threatened in the final inning with a two-out single from Kiley Huffman, but Ella Cunningham popped out to end the game.
Southern Miss opened the game with strong defense and timely hits, including Christian, Abbi Troquille and Carrie Green all going for solid swings early. Troy’s Lydia Kirby doubled in the fourth to give the Trojans a brief lead, but the Golden Eagles responded in the sixth with a rally that included a double from Jolie Hays and a single from Kinsley Gordon-Sivley, tying the game at 2-2.
The game was highlighted by Christian’s streak of home runs, marking her third consecutive game with a home run. The Golden Eagles will look to continue their winning streak in the upcoming game Saturday at Troy.
