AUSTIN, Texas - Lamar University softball coach Holly Bruder is not prone to exaggerate. And she wasn't likely exaggerating when she referred to Saturday's 9-1 victory over the 25^th-ranked Texas Longhorns as "the biggest win in program history."

The Lady Cardinals (6-9) received a one-hitter from freshman Laura Napoli as they cruised to the impressive win that was halted after five innings due to the mercy rule.

"I'm proud of this team," Bruder said. "We've had a great weekend so far."

The Lady Cardinals are 3-1 at the Texas Invitational with one game remaining. After beating Dartmouth and Texas Southern on Friday, the Lady Cardinals opened Saturday with a 5-4 loss to Dartmouth before the resounding win over the host Longhorns (11-7).

Napoli (4-5), who took the loss in relief against Dartmouth, had a no-hitter for four innings against Texas before Mickenzi Krpec hit a pinch-hit solo home run to lead off the bottom of the fifth. The homer didn't faze Napoli, who retired the next three batters to end the game.

"Laura Napoli was tremendous today," Bruder said. "Shutting down a team like Texas is impressive."

Jenna Holland led the Lamar offense against the Longhorns, going 2-for-4 with four RBIs. Brynn Baca added a two-run homer for Lamar.

The Lady Cardinals wasted no time getting to Texas starter Tiara Davis (4-3), erupting for five runs in the first inning. The Lady Cardinals got four more runs off reliever Lauren Slatten.

Casey Cromwell homered for Lamar in the loss to Dartmouth (2-6). Katie McEachern had two home runs for Dartmouth, which avenged a 6-2 loss to Lamar on Friday. Sarah Ragsdale added two hits for Lamar.

Lamar is scheduled to conclude play at the Texas Invitational by facing Texas Southern at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Lamar was a 13-1 winner over Texas Southern on Friday.

Following this weekend's action, the Lady Cardinals return home to christen the brand-new Lamar Softball Complex by hosting Houston Baptist in a Southland Conference doubleheader at 3 p.m. March 6.

For ticket information, call (409) 880-1715, or visit www.LamarCardinals.com.

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