JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – University of Southern Indiana Softball began its weekend at the 2024 Cocky Classic in thrilling fashion, capturing a 5-4 walk-off victory against the University of Southern Mississippi on Friday afternoon.
 
Southern Miss (4-5) started the scoring on Friday with two runs in the top of the third inning, but Southern Indiana (2-4) responded in the bottom of the fifth to take the lead. Following back-to-back singles from sophomore outfielder Caroline Stapleton (Shirley, Indiana) and senior outfielder Mackenzie Bedrick (Brownsburg, Indiana), USI earned its first run back on a fielder's choice. Then with runners at the corners and two outs, senior catcher Sammie Kihega (Greenfield, Indiana) belted a three-run home run to left field, her first of the season, to put the Screaming Eagles on top, 4-2.
 
The Golden Eagles fought back to even the contest at four runs apiece in the top of the seventh inning with a game-tying two-run home run. In the bottom of the seventh, USI freshman designated player Alyssa Mumaw (Greenfield, Indiana) led off with a walk, representing the potential game-winning run on base. After a single and a productive out moved Mumaw over to third base, junior infielder Hailey Gotshall (Lucerne, Indiana) singled to centerfield to score Mumaw and give USI the walk-off win.
 
Offensively, Southern Indiana posted five runs on eight hits. Stapleton and Kihega each had two hits with Kihega tallying three RBIs on the home run. Gotshall had the walk-off RBI single, and senior first baseman Lexi Fair (Greenwood, Indiana) also had a hit and an RBI on the afternoon.
 
Junior pitcher Josie Newman (Indianapolis, Indiana) hurled her fourth complete game of the season. The right-hander fanned 11 batters and allowed four runs off six hits and three walks in the seven innings of work. With the win, Newman moved to 2-2 on the season.
 
Southern Miss scored its four runs on six hits. Hannah Borden led the Golden Eagles with two hits and four RBIs, including the game-tying home run in the top of the seventh inning. Southern Miss used three pitchers in the game.
 
The Screaming Eagles will be back in action Saturday from the 2024 Cocky Classic, taking on host Jacksonville State University at 10 a.m. and then Belmont University at 12:30 p.m. Live stats will be available for both games Saturday with video coverage available for the game against Jacksonville State through a subscription to ESPN+.