March 9, 2014

BEAUMONT, Texas - The Lamar Lady Cardinals jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, but couldn't hang on as they dropped a 3-2 decision to Southeastern Louisiana in a Southland Conference softball game at Ford Park on Sunday.

Tina Schulz had a two-run double in the first inning, but the Lady Cardinals (5-10 overall, 2-1 Southland) couldn't muster any offense after that. Lamar had its chances, leaving the bases loaded in the fifth and stranding two runners in the sixth inning.

"We weren't productive today," Lamar coach Holly Bruder said. "We didn't capitalize on our opportunities."

Lamar had one more chance in the seventh, as Stephanie Meeuwsen led off with a single before advancing to second on a sacrifice by Casey Cromwell and moving to third on a wild pitch with one out. But Candyce Carter popped out and Beverly Corry flied out to end the threat and the game.

Schulz and Meeuwsen had two hits apiece for Lamar.

"We're good enough that we shouldn't be scoring just two runs," Bruder said. "You can pin this loss on the hitters."

Schulz (2-5) took the loss, allowing two hits and three runs, two earned, in three innings. Shannon Millman, who was the winning pitcher in both of Saturday's victories over Southeastern Louisiana, pitched four scoreless innings of relief. Millman posted a 0.57 EERA over the weekend.

"Shannon was tremendous all weekend," Bruder said. "I was happy with our pitching and defense throughout the weekend."

Amber Sather and Megan McCollum had two hits apiece for the Lady Lions (4-7, 1-2). Tori Stamper (2-1) allowed six hits and two runs, both unearned, over five innings to get the win. Taylor Bishop pitched two scoreless innings for her first save.

Lamar travels to Baton Rouge, La., for a non-conference doubleheader at Southern University at noon Thursday. The Lady Cardinals are at Nicholls for a three-game conference series next weekend. The next home series for Lamar is a three-game Southland Conference set against Central Arkansas on March 22-23.

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