Southern Miss softball team (11-8) could not extend their winning streak to three games against the North Carolina A&T Aggies (6-14-1), losing by a score of 1-0 on Wednesday night.

Returning to action after two straight wins against Alcorn State on Mar. 2, the Lady Eagles experienced offensive struggles in their midweek loss to the Aggies.

“We haven’t been hitting like we need to,” said Head Coach Wendy Hogue. “We’ve got to be better in every aspect.”

Southern Miss faced a deficit early in the game, as the Aggies struck first off a Kimberly Brunson home run in the top of the second inning. This would turn out to be the only score for either team on the night.

The Lady Eagles had trouble converting offensive opportunities, with the team managing just three hits on the night and leaving ten runners on base during the game.

The team had a chance to score the go-ahead run with runners on first and second with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, but Chase Nelson grounded out to end the game and give North Carolina A&T the victory.

On the defensive side of things, pitcher Kim Crowson had ups and downs against the Aggies. While she allowed four hits and the home run early in the contest, she also struck out nine batters on the night, marking a season-high for her.

Despite the loss, Hogue is looking forward to a fresh start in conference play.

“We’ve got a brand new chapter,” Hogue said. “We’re 0-0 in Conference USA.”

Southern Miss will return to action on Mar. 11 when they travel to Birmingham to face the UAB Blazers for their first conference series of the season. 

The three-game series will conclude on March 12.