Southern Miss softball used 11 hits to slug its way to an 8-0 run-rule victory over Southeast Missouri Redhawks on Friday to open the 2026 season.
Kayla Giardina got the start in the circle for the Golden Eagles and allowed a leadoff single before sitting down three straight Redhawks.
“We were really proud of Kayla coming out and setting a tone for us on the mound,” Southern Miss head coach Natalie Poole said. “After that, we were really able to see our offense get after it right away.”
In the second inning, SEMO pitcher Willow Van Haren walked three Southern Miss batters to load the bases with two outs. Nealy McManus came to the plate and smoked a ball to left field for a two-RBI single to open the scoring.
“McManus did a great job for us today of stepping up and being ready to hit,” Poole said. “She did a great job of getting runners moving, and I was proud of what she did.”
Van Haren walked two more Golden Eagles, allowing another run to score as Southern Miss extended its lead to 3-0.
“I was pleased with our plate discipline,” Poole said. “We talked about making sure we’re under control and making the pitcher throw pitches and earn it. Being able to draw walks was very important to set the table for breaking through with multiple runs.”
After Giardina retired SEMO’s lineup in order in the top of the third, Southern Miss opened the game up in the bottom half by batting around.
Kayce Bennett doubled to open the inning, and Issie Coker followed with an RBI double. Sivley added a sacrifice fly, and Hannah Christian drove in two more with a two-out single up the middle to make it 7-0.
Southern Miss walked off the game in the fifth when Bennett singled to left to bring home Madison Johnson and secure the run rule.
While the Southern Miss offense was rolling, Giardina was dominant in the circle. She finished with five innings pitched, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out two.
“I got their lineup to chase a lot of pitches up in the zone,” Giardina said. “As they got more disciplined at the plate, my defense really showed up behind me.”
Giardina said the early offensive cushion helped her settle in.
“When our offense got out to that lead, I knew we had it,” Giardina said. “As long as we kept our heads down, I could tell the game was probably going to end in the fifth.”
Giardina added that the pitching staff has significant potential this season.
“I think we have so many options — nine of us, and we’re all unique,” she said. “If we utilize each of our abilities the right way, we can definitely do something special.”
Southern Miss (1-0) will play two games Saturday as part of the Black and Gold Challenge, facing UAB Blazers at 2 p.m. and Lipscomb Bisons at 4:30 p.m.
“We need to come out tomorrow and earn it,” Poole said. “Today is done. We did some really good things, but every single game has to be earned.”
