HATTIESBURG, MS- HBU Softball fell in their season opener in the Black & Gold Invitational Friday afternoon. The Huskies were matched up with host team Southern Miss. where they fell by a score of 9-0 in 5 innings. 

Junior transfer Riley Bullen and freshman newcomer Caitlyn Brockway collected their first hits as Huskies with each of them getting a single. Amber Lotz went 1-2 on the day with a single of her own.

Sophomore Jessica Patak (0-1) got the start allowing six runs on five hits, four walks, and one strikeout in 4 innings. 

Chase Nelson and Destini Brown each collected two hits on the day with Nelson going 2-3 with 3 runs scored and a RBI. Brown went 2-3 with 2 runs scored. Sarah Van Schaik went 1-1 with a double and 3 RBI's including a sacfly. Heather Hill added a solo shot. 

Abby Trahan (1-0) earned the win pitching 5 innings allowing zero runs on four hits, two walks, and three strikeouts.

Southern Miss got on the board quick in the 1st inning plating two runs on a Van Schaik double to left center to take a 2-0 lead. In the 4th inning the Golden eagles struck again plating 4 runs on one hit, two walks, a hit by pitch, and an error. Southern Miss finished the game in the 5th inning plating 3 runs on three hits and an error.

The Huskies return to action tomorrow Feb. 9 at 3p.m. against Jackson State and later that night against Southern Miss at 8p.m.