HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The University of Central Arkansas softball lost to host Southern Miss 5-1 in the second game of the Mizuno Classic at the USM Softball Complex on Saturday. The Golden Eagles (1-0) outhit the Bears (0-2) 8-6.

The Golden Eagles got off to a quick start, scoring three runs on four hits in the top of the first. Third baseman Britney Dinelt had the big hit of the inning, connecting a two-run triple to right field.

In the top of the second, USM left fielder Stephanie Shiflet hit a two-out single, stole second, and scored after stealing third and a UCA throwing error.

Dinelt had a one-out double in the top of the third then scored on a double by shortstop Chanell Thurman to give the Golden Eagles a 5-0 lead.

UCA freshman second baseman Taylor Dear led the bottom of the third off with a base hit and was lifted for sophomore pinch runer Lindsey Barsoum. Freshman Kelvon Greer moved Barsoum to second with a bunt single. Junior first baseman Kasey Britt drove in Barsoum with a single up the middle to make the score 5-1.

Greer went 3-for-3 at the plate for the Bears. Dinelt was 3-for-3 with two RBI for the Golden Eagles.

Beth Dietrich struck out six and allowed one walk to get the win for Southern Miss. Junior Kelley Martino allowed six hits, four earned runs and struck out two in 2.1 innings for the loss. Junior Cami Newsome allowed two hits and struck out one in 4.2 innings of scoreless relief.

UCA will face Kennesaw State on Sunday at 11 a.m., then Southern Miss at 4 p.m.