The Ole Miss softball team, ranked No. 25, recorded two consecutive shutout victories at the Green & Gold Classic in Birmingham, Alabama. The Rebels improved their season record to 10-4 after defeating Southern Illinois and Missouri State on Saturday.
In the first game of the day, which was delayed by four hours due to weather and field conditions, Ole Miss edged out Southern Illinois with a 1-0 win in nine innings. Lilly Whitten started for the Rebels and pitched three hitless innings before being relieved by Boyer. Boyer entered during a bases-loaded situation with no outs in the fourth inning but managed to escape without allowing a run through a foul out and double play.
Both teams struggled offensively throughout regulation play. Cassie Reasner’s single in the fourth inning was one of few hits for Ole Miss. Boyer continued her strong performance from the bullpen, pitching six innings and giving up only one hit while striking out three batters.
The game remained scoreless until Mackenzie Pickens hit a home run to left field in the bottom of the ninth inning, securing a walk-off victory for Ole Miss.
In their second matchup of the day against Missouri State, Ole Miss took an early lead when Taylor Malvin singled and Persy Llamas reached base after being hit by a pitch. Both advanced on a double steal before Madi George drove in Malvin with a single up the middle.
Kyra Aycock started as pitcher for Ole Miss and worked around early threats from Missouri State, including a walk in the first inning and a double in the second. Defensive plays helped maintain their lead; notably, Laylonna Applin threw out a runner at third base during a critical moment in the fourth inning.
Ole Miss loaded the bases again in the fifth but could not add to their lead until Izzy Rettiger scored from second base on an error by Missouri State’s shortstop following Taylor Roman’s ground ball in the sixth inning.
Aycock completed her first complete game shutout as an Ole Miss player, allowing just three hits over seven innings.
The Rebels are scheduled to finish their participation at the Green & Gold Classic on Sunday with another game against Missouri State at 11:30 a.m., followed by a rematch against Mercer later that afternoon.
Fans can participate in Rebel Rewards powered by Coca-Cola through downloading the official mobile app or visiting OleMissSports.com for more information about upcoming games and team news. Updates are also available via social media channels including Twitter (@OleMissSoftball), Facebook (Ole Miss Softball), Instagram (@olemisssoftball), and head coach Jamie Trachsel’s Twitter account (@Jamie_Trachsel).
