SERVING SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI SINCE 1927 • WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM • MARCH 2, 2022 | VOLUME 107 | ISSUE 21
GOLDEN EAGLE SPOTLIGHT PG 2
HATTIESBURG SWANS PG 4
BASEBALL
PG 8
Local children’s book author aims to inspire through reading CLARISSA HENRY PRINTZ REPORTER
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reakin’ ankles on the court, makin’ A’s is my sport.” are the words written by a PTO board member, mother of two who has never spit a rhyme a day in her life. It’s not her who is “breakin’ ankles”, but it’s a line she wrote in her first published children’s book, ‘What Will A-Tal Play Today?’. An Ellisville native and Mississippi State graduate, Mekael Black spends most of her time doing what she loves-being a wife and mother. She is approaching her fifth year on the PTO board where her children attend school. Black never thought she would be an author of two children’s books, let alone possess the ability to write a “rap” for Black aims to raise awareness of the importance of reading thorugh her Courtesy of Black books. any occasion. We have all had those nightbe a writer, she immediately stic characters, are culturally time interruptions that left us shared the news with her famand ethnically diverse, age-apin bed wondering when sleep ily who was in disbelief at the propriate and show realistic would find us. In Black’s case, claim until her son Asa hears and practical solutions to her night of interrupted sleep one of the raps from a story. problems. led to one children’s book after “Mom, I know God had to The story of how A-Tal origianother. have given you this because nated is a representation of the “The son says good mornyou cannot rap,” Asa said. stories’ realism. ing,” Black heard as she atAs Asa stated, Black credits Asa is the poster child for tempted to fall asleep. In wonher faith and her relationship der, she asked herself “What? sports and athletics so much Where did that come from?”. with God as inspiration for all so that his classmates “knightOn a sleepless night in of her stories, giving her the ed” him the nickname “A-Tal”. October 2020, those interrup- “desires of her heart”: the de“A” is for Asa and “Tal” is short tions led Black to write three sire to help children read and for talented. stories on her smartphone. have fun while doing it. “A-Tal’s my name, ‘cause Never imagining herself to Black’s books contain reali I got game,” Black writes in
‘What Will A-Tal Play Today?’. ‘What will A-Tal Play Today’, is a story about a six-year-old little boy whose real name is Asa. A-Tal loves to play and if he could, he would play all day. The story follows A-Tal through his day, as he “raps” the clue to his next adventure. ‘The Fearless Princess’ was written from the inspiration of her daughter Aixa, a Super Girl’s journey to overcoming fear. The Fearless Princess tells you how she overcame obstacles, challenges herself to try things that she never tried before and defeated fear. “Through faith in God, words and help from family, real-life Aixa has overcome many challenges,” Black said. We all experience anxiety and fear when we consider taking on new feats, something that Black admitted to during the process of writing the book. “This was scary and I almost talked myself out of it,” Black said. Through prayer, phoning a friend and Google, she was able to launch her dream of “changing the world one child and one book at a time.”
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NEWS
MARCH 2, 2022
MEET THE CONTRIBUTORS
Student rapper and radio personality elevates local music scene
Executive Editor Kyra Lampley kyra.lampley@usm.edu
A’DARIUS MCCORMICK
SM2 News Director Charlie Luttrell charles.luttrell@usm.edu
Sports Director Austin Lindsey austin.lindsey@usm.edu Printz Photographers Sean Smith sean.a.smith@usm.edu Tyjon Williams tyjonwilliams@usm.edu Huey Turlich huey.turlich@usm.edu Printz Reporters Clarissa Henry clarissa.henry@usm.edu Cordaveon Carter cordaveon.carter@usm.edu Dima Mixon joshua.mixon@usm.edu Abigail Troth abigail.troth@usm.edu Koby Moore koby.moore@usm.edu Jessica Besnard jessica.besnard@usm.edu A’Darius McCormick adarius.mccormick@usm.edu
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his week’s Golden Eagle Spotlight goes to Southern Miss senior Parker McPhail, who raps and hosts the “Tune In” on WUSM 88.5 every week. His radio show “Tune In” promotes musicians and bands in the Hattiesburg area every Monday at 5 p.m. on WUSM from musicians such as bluesman Jesse Howell to local artist Phillip Blackwell. His interview with the Eagle Hour radio show last year inspired the idea to discuss the music scene in the Hub region. The Eagle Hour gave PARKKR’s upcoming rap career the platform that he gives to local artists now for his show. His blooming rap discography comes from his songwriting and production of his music. He writes every song and produces about half of the music.
PARKKR performs at The Tavern in February.
“I write all of it,” PARKKR said. “I occasionally outsource for production, but I record and engineer my own stuff. It’s really cost-efficient.” PARKKR released his first full-length album ‘Dysfunctional Demos’ on Feb. 4. ‘Dysfunctional Demos’ is a concept album that captures many pieces of PARKKR’s character and personality. “It kind of goes in like four acts almost,” PARKKR said. “First one is dysfunction, the second one is
Photo Courtesy of Grace Brauner
highs, the third one is dreams and ambitions and the last one is lows.” The album contains elements of experimental and lo-fi though the main genres are rap and hip hop, and the elements are what PARKKR calls his own sound. To listen to “Dysfunctional Demos” and the rest of his music, search “PARKKR” on all streaming services. Follow him on Instagram @ PARKKR_ and Facebook @PARKKR Music.
Hattiesburg celebrates Mardi Gras with Caerus Parade TYJON WILLIAMS
The views represented in The Student Printz’s columns and editorials do not represent those of the faculty, staff or administration of The University of Southern Mississippi. We welcome letters to the editor representing similar and contrasting opinions. To be eligible for publication, all submission must include name, class distinction, major, phone number and email address. Submissions should be emailed to printzeditors@gmail.com by 5 p.m. on the Friday before publication. Please limit them to 500 words or less. The Student Printz reserves the right to refuse publication or edit any material on the basis of clarity, space or journalistic ethics.
Opinions expressed in The Student Printz are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Student Printz, its publication manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the USM Board of Student Publications.
A kid throws beads at the Caerus Parade.
A three-wheeled motorcycle rides through the parade.
Miss Grand Mississippi Jessica Fields rides in the parade.
Hattiesburg Police join the parade.
NEWS
MARCH 2, 2022 WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM Children’s book author USM updates mask mandate, COVID-19 protocols CHARLIE LUTTRELL
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Black poses with her family.
Black aspires to have an impact through her books. As she began to learn more about childhood literacy, she was startled at the “alarming statistics” among African American students, specifically boys. In an effort to contribute to a solution, Black states that the first step is providing access to books. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted education across the country and disproportionately in Mississippi. A statewide assessment released by the Mississippi Department of Education in 2021 showed that English Language Art proficiency scores decreased by 7%, according to Keisha Rowe of the Mississippi Clarion-Ledger. Black understands that lack of access to books results in underdeveloped vocabulary and lack of comprehension, among other deficiencies. Through the Reaching and Educating for Comunity Hope (RECH) Foundation, Black provides books to children who would not otherwise have access to them. She accepts new, gently used books from the community and organizations and donates them out to children.It’s the reward of seeing
Courtesy of Black
children’s joy in reading that fuels Black’s passion. “You cannot buy the smile those children have when you hand them a book,” Black said. Both ‘What Will A-Tal Play’ and ‘The Fearless Princess’ provide necessary representation and diversity exposure. In both books, a child can connect with the identity of the character and is in turn, motivated and inspired to read. Children can see that other children who don’t look like them share the same ideas, thoughts and even like the same sports. And ‘The Fearless Princess’ teaches a valuable lesson to everyone to live a little more fearless. Black hopes her books encourage children, as well as grown-ups all over the world to enjoy the years of their youth and become fearless, confident and courageous. Read more about Black’s books at https://www.mekaelblack.com/. You can read more about the RECH Foundation and donate at https://www.rechfoundationms.org/.
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he University of Southern Mississippi made revisions to its mask mandate, limiting it to just within instructional and health care settings only. The updated protocols will take effect immediately after the Mardi Gras break. “Effective Wednesday, March 2, 2022, face coverings on all University of Southern Mississippi campuses, teaching and research sites will be required in instructional and health care settings only, regardless of vaccination status,” the university wrote in a statement released to all students, faculty and staff. The revision comes shortly after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] updated its guidelines on masks on Feb. 25. The new guidelines marked down the suggested population that should wear masks by 70%, instead suggesting that counties monitor changes in COVID-19 within their communities to mandate masks. The University of Mississippi and Mississippi State recently lifted its mask mandate in February as well. While face coverings will still be required in classes and ‘health care settings’, they will no longer be required in other indoor spaces on campus, such as dormitories, the library and the Union as where they have been required for the entire year. The CDC now says
that most Americans can safely go without a mask in low to medium risk areas but still suggests wearing masks indoors in high-risk areas and that immunocompromised individuals take precautions. Those who test positive for COVID-19 are still required to mask after their isolation period upon the guidance of their doctor and current CDC guidelines for quarantining. The university reiterated their stance of urging students to get a COVID-19 vaccination and update their immunization with a booster shot. Visit usm.edu/student-health-services/monitoring_coronavirus to see the Moffitt Health Center’s resources for COVID-19 and to monitor the virus at USM.
EDITORIAL
MARCH 2, 2022
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Hattiesburg’s swans serve as reminder of city’s prominent art scene ABIGIAL TROTH SM2 REPORTER
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cattered within the Hattiesburg
community Hattiesburg are swans--made out
of fiberglass, and metal, standing five feet tall, three inches wide. Some are adorned with flowers, tuxedos, patriotic symbols and many other artistic patterns. Feeling as if they just appeared, as beautiful as they are, not many people know the story behind these beautiful projects, especially people who are new to Hattiesburg. The story behind them is quite simple, but nonetheless sweet and promising. It promotes the idea of a rich art culture for Hattiesburg, something this community is known for and continues to develop. These swans stemmed from the inspiration of Bern, Switzerland’s “Cows on Parade.” In its own Mississippian way, the Area Development Partnership (ADP) planned the “Festival of Swans” in November of 2006. They were funded by a grant from the Women’s Services of Forrest General Hospital and received sponsorships from the ADP. The swans were created in Spain and after getting delivered to the United States, these swans were handed over to local artists who would paint and prepare them for the festival. “The overall purpose of this is really just to develop more of an appreciation of culture and the need and value of it in society, in our lives and to enhance the quality of life for all the citizens of the Hattiesburg and Pine Belt area,” former Director of Cultural Development for the ADP Jack Kyle said to WDAM in 2007. The decorating of these swans required a community effort, just as the city continues to do with the painting of its utility boxes and murals across town. Churches, charities, families, businesses, and people from the Hattiesburg area gathered to make these swans something special and authentic to the community. USM student Ansley Brent was involved with the painting of the swans as a child, and warmly recalls the event like it was yesterday. “Painting the swans had an effect on me because I knew I was about to be a part of a new tradition in our community,” Brent said. “It made me appreciate the arts by observing the uniqueness of all the swans and seeing how they were all beautiful in different ways.” The swans were officially put on display at the Lake Terrace Convention Center in Febru-ary of 2006 and the festival began.
Hattiesburg’s swans serve as an artistic display and attract attention. The swans were permanently placed all over Hattiesburg, invoking a rich, new culture of art and tradition. For years, these swans could be found at the Zoo, Forrest General Hospital, Trustmark Bank, Main Street, near Southern Miss, and even in front of non-typical placessuch as gas stations. They became a Hattiesburg staple--a core piece of the community. After searching for the swans in a group, it eemed as though some of them had disappeared. Online, there are addresses for these swans and their locations, but after going to every location, there were no swans to be found. Thankfully, a few were found. They are exactly what they have been described as--massive, vivacious swans. As expected, these swans continue to exude artistic beauty. After almost 15 years in public, the swans have started to age. Yet their essence and what they stand for can still be seen under the years of wear and tear. None of the swans are the same--incomparable but represent Hattiesburg in the same way. Most of the swans are not in their original location--resulting in being overlooked by the public. As a thriving arts community, it’s the inhabitants of this area to make sure these works of art are not forgotten. The swans may appear like nothing more than sculptures to some, but they had a deep impact on this community and how art is viewed.
Courtesy of Dwayne Phillips
“I think the swans brought the Hattiesburg community together. It was a way to bring several businesses and environments together and it also broadcasted what that area brought to the community.” Brent said. In the coming years, Hattiesburg may see a resurgence of the swans--painted in a new light by a new generation of artists. Their beauty will once again make the Hattiesburg community a little brighter.
NEWS
MARCH 2, 2022
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Hattiesburg’s public art scene welcomes newest addition to group
“Duck Duck Goose” features Duncan Lake’s iconic fowl.
Sean Smith| Printz
CHARLIE LUTTREL SM2 NEWS DIRECTOR
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attiesburg is aiming to become “The City of a Hundred Murals” and it recently got one mural and artist closer to that goal. A new mural at the downtown Duncan Lake Park was unveiled in early February, becoming the 31st mural to be completed as a part of Hattiesburg’s Public Arts Trail, a metaphorical trail consisting of sculptures, painted utility boxes and murals scattered across the city’s limits. Each mural on the trail represents Hattiesburg’s various artists and its lively art scene. Gabby Smith, a Pensacola, Florida native, became the latest artist to join the collective display after the completion of her new mural. Each of the city’s murals has a story behind it and how the artists came to the project. The 500-square-foot mural on the bathroom facility at Duncan Lake park was an obvious choice for Smith. Smith, who often paints wildlife and flora subjects, felt at home painting the wildlife representative of Duncan Lake Park and the Pine Belt area. Named “Duck Duck Goose”, the mural features the park’s iconic amounts of duck and geese, as well as surrounding wildlife such as the Northern cardinal, butterflies, a squirrel, raccoon, as well as local fungi. But the mural’s story extends beyond its subject material and into the background of the artist itself. Smith, who usually paints with oil, acrylic
and watercolor on canvas, had never attempted a project at such a scale. It marked a transitional point in her art career. Not only had Smith never painted a mural, but she was also 27 weeks pregnant when she started the mural. “I had never done anything that large scale before,” Smith said. “It was a little intimidating and it was really hot outside.” Smith was no stranger to motherhood, though. Her art journey started as she was expecting her first child, shortly after she moved to Hattiesburg and decided to pursue a fulltime art career. “It was terrifying. I was so scared,” Smith said. “Still, it just feels like a really big leap of faith to be able to try to paint and hope that my work sells, but we’re doing it.” Smith adjusted to trying to paint full-time after having her first-born Opal and taking care of her step-daughter. “Trying to paint while also watching my kiddos is a little stressful sometimes. A lot of nights, we’ve been staying up pretty late,” Smith said. “My husband and I will just be at the studio and the kids will be asleep on the little couch and I’ll be painting just kind of doing whatever I have to do to get it done.” Still, Smith prefers the challenge compared to the grind of a nine to five job and got more comfortable this time around with her newborn, Ozzy as she often has him wrapped to her while she paints. On top of juggling motherhood, Smith
faced roadblocks in painting the mural. She worked tirelessly on it for ten weeks every day for three to six hours, but at times felt like she was behind pace. But the reward was sweeter than any other project she had done. “I think this has honestly just given me a lot more confidence about my painting. I feel like I can push myself a little more and I’m not scared to apply for bigger projects like future murals…and just to really try anything different with my art,” Smith said. Now that Smith has her art publicly displayed, she says she has become “plugged” into the local art community, which she describes as an “incredible” scene. Smith’s journey through art reflects the individual experience of each artist, the inclusion that the Art Trail provides to the city’s art community and the unique opportunity it gives for artists in the city to publicly display their talents. Smith hopes to paint another mural and has the chance to do it as the city has 69 more to go to their ultimate goal. The Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art recently ended its applications for its next mural, which will be painted at the Hawkins Elementary School, according to a report by WDAM’s Will Polston. To read more about the Hattiesburg Public Art Trail, visit hburgart.com or visithburg.org. You can view Gabby Smith’s artwork at “gabbysmithart” on Instagram.
ENTERTAINMENT
MARCH 2, 2022
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Beach House immerses listeners on Once Twice Melody JESSICA BESNARD PRINTZ REPORTER
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each House’s dreamy ambiance on their newest album
‘Once Twice Melody’ reminds listeners of the distinct sound they have crafted throughout their career, hypnotizing you into an ethereal state of mind, and tugging at loneliness. ‘Once Twice Melody’ is the group’s eighth studio album, standing as their longest at 18 songs split between four discs. The four discs represent four chapters, each telling its own story. ‘Once Twice Melody’. the first track begins with an 80s synth vibe and then unfurls into the
Courtesy of NME.com
Beach House aptitude they’re
into the gloominess of ‘Mas-
tragedy with “swans on a starry
There is never a worry of their
known for. It captures the es-
querade’ or the exhilaration of
lake,” an allusion to Swan Lake.
sound completely pivoting to
sence of every classic Beach
‘Only You Know.’ She’s able to
House song and puts it all into
sound so heavenly and then at
possible to put magic in a song,
makes you wish it would at
one.
other times, so chilling.
ending with transcendental,
times.
‘New Romance’ gives me the
Though it has hues of mo-
This is magic in a song if it’s
something else, which almost
goosebump-inducing guitar.
Considering the length of this
A reoccurring theme with
album, there was plenty of room
same feeling I had listening to
roseness about a loved one leav-
new music in 2013. It feels so
ing, ‘Only You Know’ maintains
Beach House’s ‘Once Twice
to try something different. Their
inventive as if I’m listening to
its endearing demeanor with its
Melody’ seems to be starry-eyed
dreamy vibe is always pleasant
music for the first time again.
gleamy beat and mentions of a
nostalgia, which they continually
to hear, but I would like to see
“summer’s blaze” and “tomor-
portray so well.
a song or two stray from their
It sounds like what dreampop is supposed to sound like—it scratches the brain in all the right places. The best track on the album
row’s skies.” It begins with waves crashing
There are many references to stars, skies and starry skies,
Beach House’s lyricism feels
then dives straight into repeti-
tucked within the lyrics, painting
almost Shakespearean at times
tion of the words “don’t” and
a gracefully intoxicating image.
with its grand imagery and
may be ‘Masquerade’ with its
“wait” nailing an urgent, emotive
haunting, yet tranquil tone. It’s
feeling.
‘Modern Love Stories’ has a
‘Once Twice Melody’ was crafted
ing into something softer and
rather than written.
Their songs act as an experi-
most. It is a delightfully spunky
ence, which is a brilliant artistic
hazier, making it the perfect end
mix of shoegaze and goth.
decision on their behalf.
to this album.
‘Pink Funeral’ is also another
themes of romantic tragedy.
multitude of sounds, transform-
the heaviest and stands out the
Victoria Legrand, lead vocal-
typical scene.
Beach House’s sound is so
ist, songwriter and keyboardist,
strong song on the album with
consistent, though they incorpo-
has such an immersive voice
its dark fairy-tale spark. It paints
rated almost gothic styles that
that allows the listener to drift
a beautiful picture of romantic
inch closer to alternative pop.
This album is a blissful journey that dives deeper into the atmospheric warmth Beach House created. 9/10
ENTERTAINMENT
MARCH 2, 2022
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Big K.R.I.T's new album is a refresher for hip-hop
CORDAVEON CARTER PRINTZ REPORTER his year has had its up and downs in the genre of hip-hop. There has not been much that has stood out as different but ‘Digital Roses Never Die’ by Big K.R.I.T. changes that. The creative choices that K.R.I.T made to make his own brand and personal to him is what makes this the project that it is. All the risks he took with this album shows how much of how he is a rap anachronist. Many people may not like his style, but it displays his talents of dynamic storytelling and great production and creativity. Big K.R.I.T is one of the best rappers of this generation who got his inspirations from the southern rap genre that dominated the mid 90s to early 2000s. He uses those influences and puts his own spin on them to showcase to the new generation of fans the history of hip-hop. This is K.R.I.T’s fifth studio
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Courtesy of bigkrit.com
album and it feels like one of the most unique, diverse and projects of his career in a genre that has had plenty of recycled and impersonal projects lately. ‘Digital Roses Never Die’ showcases a smoother funk style. It shows inspirations from bands like Sly and the Family Stone and Parliament-Funkadelic and showcases the culture of crate-digging. This album shot for a similar sound as albums such as Mac
Miller’s “The Divine Feminine’, Outkast’s ‘Stanktonia’, and Silk Sonic’s ‘An Evening with Silk Sonic’. This risk-taking album produced some soothing ballads but also some overachieving waste. The album had a lot of imbalances and seemed like it was everywhere, which is something rare for K.R.I.T because he is a genuine storyteller when it comes to his rapping. This was not really the case for this
album, which surprised a lot of fans. This album showcased a four-act love story from initial contact all the way up to breakup. It was sectioned by four elements: the early passion of fire; the foundation of earth; the familiarity and rhythm of water and the turbulence of wind as K.R.I.T stated. The raps on his new record are very fleeting compared to previous projects. The only aspect that changed the atmosphere of the album is when he shifted gears completely, going into more of sex- like ‘70s jams which didn’t quite reach that standard he was going for. This album was quite surprising but also very overwhelming. Rap needed this album. With a run time 38 minutes with 17 songs, this album had its problems but was also a breath of fresh air into rap. The production on this project was by far the best aspect and saved the whole project. Final rating 6/10
SPORTS
WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM MARCH 2, 2022 Southern Miss wins series against Jacksonville State
Hurston Waldrep pitches in game three.
DIMA MIXON, KOBY MOORE AND AUSTIN LINDSEY
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ame One:
Southern Miss rallied back to defeat Jacksonville State 4-3 on a walk-off single by Slade Wilks in the first game of a three-game series at Pete Taylor Park. “I knew off the bat, it was going be deep enough for him (Dustin Dickerson) to score and so I wasn’t worried about or nothing like that and I knew it was going to get the job done”, Wilks said about his game-winning play. The Golden Eagles looked to bounce back from their extra-innings loss against South Alabama on Tuesday and it again took the full length to decide the outcome. The Golden Eagles had a slow start on the offensive side, having a combined three hits with no runs through the first four innings. Southern Miss struggled with leaving runners on base throughout the game, stranding 13 runners. Also, Jacksonville State pitcher Reid Fagerstrom gave Southern Miss trouble, notching seven strikeouts while holding the Golden Eagles to one run and three hits. The Gamecocks took the lead and the momentum in the fifth inning, going up 3-0 and the Golden Eagles responded with a run later in the inning. It wasn’t until the eighth inning when the Golden Eagles tied the game after a clutch RBI triple by Will McGillis. Then, the Pete Taylor Park magic took place in the bottom of the ninth as Wilks fired a walk-off single to win the game. Ben Ethridge took the mound as the starting pitcher for the Golden Eagles, pitching four shutout innings and recording seven strikeouts. His night ended in the fifth
Sean Smith|Printz
Southern Miss celebrates a score by Carson Paetow.
inning after allowing three runs. Tyler Stuart retired Ethridge and held the Gamecocks to one hit, no runs, a walk and three strikeouts. Stuart earned the win for his performance. Game Two: Southern Miss beat Jacksonville State in game two of the weekend series 5-1. Relief pitcher Landon Harper led the Golden Eagles to victory by pitching a no-hitter in the final four innings. Last night the Golden Eagles needed a walk-off base hit from Slade Wilks to escape with a victory, but the second game came down to another player. “I think the difference was Landon Harper,” Head Coach Scott Berry said. “His pitching was just really dominating in what he did out there on the mound.” Harper’s line was 4 IP, 4 Ks, 0 BB, 0 runs on 42 pitches. Harper said that his slider was the most efficient pitch and the one he was feeling “the best.” The game started with little action and the Golden Eagles couldn’t find their groove in the batter’s box until the bottom of the third inning when Carson Paetow nailed a home run over the left-field fence. “First pitch, I was a little late had to make an adjustment, just get the head out a little bit,” Paetow said. “That was definitely an exciting moment, definitely fires yourself up, and we got to go on from there.” Jacksonville State answered the home run with a run in the following inning to tie the game at one apiece. The Golden Eagles took the lead back for good in the bottom of the fifth inning when Gabe Montenegro opened
Tyjon Williams|Printz
Southern Miss had 27 hits compared to the Gamecocks’ 13.
Sean Smith|Printz
received his second start on the mound. Rodrigo Montenegro reeled in all three basemen as his older brother Gabe Montenegro stepped up to plate being hit by a pitch, but Lovrich got out of the inning on a Dustin Dickerson’s line out to the center field. In the bottom of the fourth, Waldrep struck out three straight batters, putting him up to seven strikeouts through four innings. Waldrep retired after 84 pitches thrown through five innings on seven strikeouts, giving up three hits and two walks. The pitching carousel then began for the Golden Eagles as Game Three: five pitchers came in for relief. First, freshman Niko MazSouthern Miss aimed for za entered in relief, giving up its second sweep of the year two hits and a walk to give the against Jacksonville State after Gamecocks its first score. taking the series Saturday but Mazza was relieved after 15 fell 5-3 in a late push by the pitches by Justin Storm, who Gamecocks. weathered the storm, leaving Jacksonville State scored one on base and striking out three runs on three hits in the top of the seventh, taking a 4-3 two to get Southern Miss out of the inning. lead after scoring one in the After the Gamecocks took sixth. the lead in the seventh, SouthThe Gamecocks tacked ern Miss had one more shot to another run in the ninth on a put a score on the board with single to seal the deal. Reece Ewing on third after two “We didn’t make pitches In wild pitches and Slade Wilks the bullpen outside of [Justin] on first. Storm. I don’t know if it was However, Will McGillis the cold or what but guys left grounded into a double play as pitches up, and their hitters the Gamecocks tagged Wilks at put good swings on them,” second. Head Coach Scott Berry said. Southern Miss used six After the game, Berry repitchers who combined for 15 vealed starting catcher Blake strikeouts to the Gamecocks Johnson broke his hamate two. bone [hand injury] in Friday’s Best received the loss [0-1] match and will miss six to eight as Southern Miss moves to 5-2 weeks. on the season. Catcher Rodrigo Montenegro has the job until then, The Golden Eagles now but first baseman Christopher face the National Champions Sargent may make an appearMississippi State Bulldogs ance behind the plate in case Wednesday, March 2 at Trustof emergency. The flame-throwing sophomark Park in Pearl, Mississippi. more pitcher Hurston Waldrep the frame with his 46th-career double and was hit in by Dustin Dickerson on a single. Reece Ewing scored in the bottom of the sixth inning after Will McGillis hit a sacrifice fly out to center field. Ewing also hit a deep home run to right field and has extended his hitting streak to six games. “He’s probably the best shape that he’s ever been, to me equates to what he’s doing on the field. He’s made some really good defensive plays for us in left field, and he seems to be really swinging the bat,” Berry said, “He’s obviously playing the game at a high level of force.”