University of South Alabama Athletics

Beard picked up three wins last week in as many appearances after striking out 21 to four walks and allowing only one earned run on nine hits in 18 innings. The Fairhope, Ala., native gave up only two hits apiece to Southern Miss on Wednesday and Appalachian State on Saturday in USA’s first game versus the Mountaineers. Beard carried a no-hitter into the top of the fourth inning versus Appalachian State and retired before giving up a pair, but answered by retiring six of the last seven Mountaineer batters to secure the win, her fourth in a week’s time, going on to be named the Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Week on Monday.