Southern Miss (11-4-1, 5-3-1 C-USA) split games against Middle Tennessee State and UAB this past weekend as part of the team’s three-game road trip to close out the regular season, but tied the program record for wins and were able to clinch a spot in the C-USA Women’s Soccer Tournament during that span.

On Friday, Oct. 19, the Golden Eagles earned a close 1-0 win over the Blue Raiders. The only score of the game came on a goal from sophomore Caitlin Pierce in the 42nd minute of the match. Pierce’s goal was her first goal scored during her time at Southern Miss.

Sophomore goalkeeper Kendell Mindnich continued her string of solid performances in the goal, grabbing four saves in the shutout. The win gave the Golden Eagles 11 wins on the season, tying the program record for wins set during the inaugural 1997 season.

The road trip continued for the Golden Eagles on Sunday as they traveled to Birmingham, Alabama, for a contest against UAB. Southern Miss was unable to get win number 12 against the Blazers, however, as UAB scored early in the eighth minute and later in the second half at the 48-minute mark to come away with the 2-0 win over the Golden Eagles. Southern Miss outshot UAB 11-8 in the contest, but five UAB saves helped the Blazers keep the shutout going.

However, despite the loss, the team also earned a spot in the C-USA tournament for the first time since 2007 after a Charlotte loss and a Marshall draw helped the team clinch a spot.

Now, Southern Miss will travel to Ruston, Louisiana for its final regular season contest against Louisiana Tech. Play is set to begin at 7 p.m. on Oct. 26.