April 17, 2005

Box Score

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - For the first time since the inaugural 2001 season of Houston Softball, the Cougars and Golden Eagles of Southern Miss split the season series 2-1 after Houston's twin bill sweep on Saturday and USM's win on Sunday.

Sunday's matinee resulted in a 3-0 loss for the Cougars (25-21, 8-7), snapping their season long seven-game winning streak, and ending a 10-game drought for the Golden Eagles (20-28, 6-12).

The previous three series between the two schools had resulted in series sweeps with USM claiming the 2002 and 2004 series and Houston winning the 2003 series. The all-time record now stands at an even 10-10.

On the day, freshman hurler Barbie Love allowed just two hits, but two walks in the first inning proved costly as Love surrender the first home run of her career that gave USM the only three runs of the game.

Southern Miss took an early 3-0 lead in the first after Love hit the first Golden Eagles' batter, retired two and walked another. With two outs and runners on the corners, USM's Ashley Davis hit over the left center wall, clearing the bases for three runs.

For Love, it was the first home run she had given up all season in 17 appearances, 10 starts, and 73.2 innings of work.

Houston continues conference play next weekend at home, hosting the USF Bulls on Saturday and Sunday, April 23 and 24, with Saturday's twin bill beginning at 1 p.m.