STATESBORO –  The Georgia Southern softball team used a six run third inning to soar past James Madison on Saturday afternoon at Beautiful Eagle Field. 

Georgia Southern (26-20, 8-12) struck first in the opening frame after back-to-back doubles from Emma Davis and Katie Perkins, Faith Barth put the Eagles on the board recording an RBI single to make it 1-0. 

The Eagle offense exploded in the third inning scoring six runs on five hits to extend its lead 7-0. Barth and Janai Conklin led off the inning with back-to-back singles before Jess Mazur loaded the bases with a walk. Dejah Mills singled down the left field line recording a two-RBI single for the first runs of the innings. 

Sam Vinson drew a pinch hit walk before Kyla Maxwell doubled to extend the lead driving in a pair of runs. Davis kept the offense going with her second hit of the game on a base hit to plate the final two runs of the third inning. 

James Madison  29-18, 11-9) cut into the deficit in the fourth and fifth innings with a pair of home runs. Payton List lifted a two-run home run in the fourth before Abbie Campbell recorded a solo shot making it 7-3. 

Georgia Southern responded in the bottom of the fifth as Barth plated Courtney Ball on an RBI groundout for the final margin, 8-3. 

Alana Barnard (7-4) picked up the victory in the circle tossing four complete innings allowing three runs on six hits. In relief, Kyleigh Richardson and Morgan Kendrick combined for three scoreless innings allowing just one hit. 


Offensively, Davis and Barth recorded multi-hit performances with a pair of hits and RBI. Perkins, Conklin, Mills, Ball, and Maxwell each added a hit a piece. 

Next Up
The Eagles look to sweep the series in game three against James Madison on Sunday afternoon at Beautiful Eagle Field. First pitch is set for noon and is scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN+.