SAN MARCOS, Texas — The Southern Miss softball team was defeated by Texas State 8-1 Saturday at the Bobcat Softball Complex. The Golden Eagles dropped to 29-19 overall and 10-7 in Sun Belt Conference play, while the Bobcats improved to 31-16 and 11-6 in league games.
Hannah Christian hit her fifth home run of the season in the top of the first inning, giving Southern Miss an early lead. The sophomore also drove in her 40th run of the year. Madilyn Graham, the starting pitcher, fell to 10-6 after allowing eight runs on six hits over 82 innings.
Christian’s leadoff homer put the Golden Eagles ahead. Graham pitched efficiently in the first two innings, facing only three batters in the first and retiring the side in the second. Carrie Green singled and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt, but Texas State pitcher Emma Strood escaped the inning without further damage.
The Bobcats tied the game in the third inning on an RBI groundout by Sami Hood. Texas State then took control, scoring four runs in the fourth on a three-run homer by Aiyana Coleman and an RBI single from Hood. They added another run in the fifth on a bases-loaded walk, extending their lead to 6-1.
Southern Miss threatened in the sixth, with Jolie Hays collecting her 28th hit of the season. The Bobcats closed out the scoring in the bottom of the sixth with a homer and an intentional walk. The game ended with Texas State ahead 8-1 after a double play in the seventh, clinching the series victory.
Notable players include Abbi Troquille, who is tied for first nationally in hit by pitches with 21. Hannah Christian ranks ninth in the nation for single-season hits with 65, and Nealy McManus is tied for 12th in assists with 110. The series continues Sunday at noon.
