In its Conference USA opener Sunday, Western Kentucky fell 1-0 to Southern Mississippi in overtime at the USM Soccer Complex.

WKU (2-4-2) outshot Southern Miss 11-10.

Chandler Backes led the way offensively for the Lady Toppers with three shots. In goal, Bailee Witt played the full 96 minutes.

The win was the seventh in a row for Southern Miss (7-1). Miah Zuazua scored in overtime to secure the win. Kendell Mindnich played the full match in goal, making four saves to earn the shutout.

The Lady Toppers will be off until Sunday, when they travel to Ruston, La., to take on Louisiana Tech. WKU will then play two more matches on the road before returning to the WKU Soccer Complex on Oct. 5 to face Florida International.{&end}