March 22, 2008

HOUSTON, TEXAS - What started out as a pitcher's duel turned into a 6-0 defeat, as Southern Miss fell to 11th-ranked Houston Saturday afternoon at the Cougars Softball Complex.

Angel Shamblin faced one batter over the minimum for Houston (28-4, 6-0), giving up only two hits in the victory.

Southern Miss (14-18, 2-6) had a chance to open the scoring in the second inning. Senior Jennifer Fox led off with a single that went off second baseman Haley Valis glove. Two batters later, Brittney Pigott looped a single over the third baseman's head. But, Fox was thrown out at the plate, ending the inning.

Houston responded in the bottom half of the inning. Leadoff hitter Laurie Wagner sent the first pitch over the center field wall, giving the Cougars the 1-0 lead. Two batters later, Angel Shamblin singled and stole second. After moving to third on Valis' ground out, Christa Raley grounded to short, stranding Shamblin at third.

The Cougars added another run in the fourth. Jennifer Klinkert hit UH's second leadoff home run of the day, lining a 1-1 pitch over the right center field fence.

An inning later, Raley led off with a double to right center. Two batters later, Katie Bush drove her in, doubling to left center and giving Houston a 3-0 lead.

Houston broke the game open in the sixth. Laurie Wagner led off with an infield single. Amanda Grote then tried to sacrifice her over, but Kristin Pilgrim's throw was wide, allowing Grote to reach base and move Wagner to third. Two batters later Haley Valis knocked Samantha Davis out of the game, hitting UH's third home run of the day.

Southern Miss returns to action this Wednesday, March 26, when it hosts Northwestern State in a non-conference doubleheader beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the Southern Miss Softball Complex.