March 15, 2014

THIBODAUX, La. - Tina Schulz was a double threat for the Lamar Lady Cardinals in their Southland Conference softball doubleheader sweep of host Nicholls on Saturday.

Schulz tossed a complete-game five hitter in the opener and homered in both games as the Lady Cardinals (9-10 overall, 4-1 Southland) claimed 3-1 and 12-3 victories over the Colonels (8-21, 0-5).

Schulz walked one and struck out two in the opener as she claimed her first-ever Southland Conference win, helping her own cause with a solo homer. In the nightcap, Schulz went 3-of-4 with a home run, two runs scored and four RBIs to provide plenty of run support for left-hander Shannon Millman (4-5).

"I couldn't ask for a better day," Lamar coach Holly Bruder said. "Our hitting came alive and we got quality pitching."

Lauren Gambone also homered in the second game for the Lady Cardinals, who erupted for 11 runs in the third inning. Julianne Viator had three hits in the nightcap, while Candyce Carter and Shannon Sain each had two hits as part of Lamar's 13-hit barrage. The game was halted after five innings because of the mercy rule.

The win ran Lamar's win streak to four games and put the Lady Cardinals into a first-place tie with Central Arkansas. Lamar is at Nicholls for a single game at 1 p.m. Sunday before returning home to host Central Arkansas in a three-game series at Ford Park next weekend.

"WE have to keep it going on Sunday," Bruder said. "It's always tough to sweep a three-game series, but we have that opportunity."

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