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The Troy Trojans (24-11, 4-2) knocked off the Southern Miss Golden Eagles (14-17, 3-4) by a score of 2-1 in extra innings in the first game of their Sun Belt Conference softball series on Thursday.

Going into the fourth inning, Troy trailed 1-0 when Cassidy Boltz blasted a solo home run to tie the score 1-1. Neither side could get back into scoring position in regulation but in the eighth inning, Troy star Taylor McKinney belted a homer of her own to lift Troy to the 2-1 win.

Olivia Cato picked up her third win in the circle, striking out five batters and giving up just one hit and no runs in three and 2/3 innings pitched. Libby Baker also struck out three batters and gave up three hits and one earned run in four and 1/3 innings pitched.

“Game one in every series is tough, so it is exciting that we were able to come out here on the winning side,” Troy Coach Eric Newell said. “Taylor knew exactly what she was looking for and she took advantage of it. Our pitchers did exactly what they needed to do. Olivia Cato hasn’t pitched in a while, but her name was called, and she was ready. She held them down and gave our offense a chance to figure some things out. Hat’s off to the pitching staff. They did a great job.”