Southwest Mississippi Softball traveled to Goodman on Saturday to face Holmes Community College in a doubleheader. The Lady Bears won both games, 3-0 and 5-4, improving their record to 19-4 overall and 5-1 in conference play.
In the first game, Allie Ladnier pitched a complete game, striking out eight while allowing only two hits and no runs. She also contributed offensively with a three-run homer in the fourth inning, accounting for all three runs for Southwest. Ladnier’s performance shut down the Bulldogs from the mound.
The second game was a close contest, with Southwest rallying from a 4-0 deficit to win 5-4. Ballard Kraft started on the mound for the Lady Bears, pitching 3.2 innings with three strikeouts. Mary Claire Salley and Corin Talbot also pitched, with Talbot earning the win after shutting down Holmes in the final two innings.
Trailing 4-0 after five innings, Southwest staged a comeback in the sixth. Madalyn Ashford led off with a double, followed by Bailey McLin’s single to load the bases. A single by Talbot scored Ashford, and Alexis Dejean hit a three-run homer to tie the game. Kate Clements then homered in the seventh to give the Lady Bears a 5-4 lead. Talbot closed out the game with two strikeouts in the bottom of the seventh.
Coach Shea Johnson praised his team’s effort, noting the significance of the road sweep in their league. “Anytime you can go on the road in our league and get a sweep, it’s a tremendous accomplishment,” he said. “These kids, they don’t quit.” Johnson also commended the team’s cohesion and resilience, emphasizing their belief in themselves regardless of the score.
The Lady Bears are set to host Jones College at home on Tuesday, March 24.
