Southern Miss Softball Sweeps James Madison in Doubleheader to Secure Series

HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Southern Miss softball secured the series against James Madison with a doubleheader sweep Friday, highlighted by a walk-off win in 11 innings and a dominant complete-game shutout, according to school officials.

Head coach Natalie Poole expressed pride in her team’s resilience. “Unbelievably proud of the answer back today from our team,” she said. “They were determined to win the series, and I felt that fight in them today. Graham really went the distance in the extra innings game. She stayed steady and very focused in each moment. Kayla dominated from the beginning of her game!”

Madilyn Graham pitched a career-long 11-inning game, earning a 5-4 victory in the first game. She allowed only seven batters to face her in the first two innings and threw four scoreless innings in extras. Graham’s effort marked the longest outing for a Sun Belt pitcher this season, surpassing Texas State’s Azua Madison.

In the second game, Kayla Giardina tossed a complete game shutout, allowing just two hits and three walks. She helped her own cause with an RBI infield single, leading Southern Miss to a 5-0 victory. Giardina retired the Dukes in order in the sixth and struck out one in the seventh, earning her third shutout this season.

Southern Miss improved to 27-15 overall and 8-4 in Sun Belt play, marking the program’s best start in conference play since 2000. Notable players included Nealy McManus, who ranks in the top six nationally for assists, and Hannah Christian, who is in the top five nationally for hits. The Golden Eagles now look ahead to a scheduled game against Southeastern on April 8.

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