March 4, 2015 Lamar's Game Notes 
Live Stats for Game 1 Friday
Live Stats for Game 2 Friday
Live Stats for Saturday
BEAUMONT, Texas - After much anticipation, the Lamar University softball team will finally have an on-campus field to call home.
The grand opening of the Lamar Softball Complex is set for Friday as the Lady Cardinals host Houston Baptist in a 3 p.m. Southland Conference doubleheader. The series concludes with a single game at 1 p.m. Saturday.
"I can't tell you how excited we are," Lamar coach Holly Bruder said. "We can't wait to play in our new home. It's going to be a huge advantage for us."
For the past two years, the Lamar played its home games at Ford Park. This season, the Lady Cardinals opened the season with 16 straight games away from home while the finishing touches were put on their new nest.
"It is going to be great to play in front of our fans," Bruder said. "We received great support the past two years at Ford Park. Now, it will be even easier for our fans to come out and cheer us on."
The Lady Cardinals (7-9) are coming off one of the most successful weekends in program history, going 4-1 at the Texas Invitational. The weekend was highlighted by a 9-1 victory over the No. 25 Texas Longhorns, as Laura Napoli threw a one-hitter and Jenna Holland drove in four runs.
"I was proud of the entire team," Bruder said. "I know that's the way we are capable of playing. I hope we can carry that momentum into this weekend."
Shannon Sain leads Lamar with a .396 batting average, 17 RBIs and seven doubles. Casey Cromwell is batting .392 with a team-leading four home runs. Stephanie Meeuwsen, who is hitting .388, brings a 10-game hitting streak into the weekend, needing a hit in her next game to set the school record.
Napoli (4-5, 3.59) and Lauren Dannelley (3-4, 5.16) are Lamar's expected starters this weekend.
"Laura and Lauren both pitched well last weekend," Bruder said. "I believe this is the best pitching depth we've had."
Houston Baptist (6-10) is led by Cecilia Bauer, who is hitting .364. Right-handers Laci Belovsky (4-4, 4.68) and Shannon O'Connor (2-4, 6.84) anchor the pitching staff. HBU was swept by Houston by scores of 12-5 and 19-3 in a non-conference doubleheader on Tuesday.
Friday's festivities include a ribbon cutting to officially open the new stadium, along with welcoming remarks and ceremonial first pitches. Fans with tickets will receive a free lunch courtesy of Courville's as well as a free T-shirt while supplies last. On Saturday, Lamar players will sign autographs after the game.
Fans attending on Saturday's game are reminded that there will be limited access to the Lamar Softball Complex because of the Gusher marathon. Fans driving to the game are advised to travel south on U.S. 69 (Cardinal Drive) to the Highland Avenue exit. Take that exit and remain on the service road until the intersection with Rolfe Christopher Drive. Proceed under the overpass north on Rolfe Christopher. Turn left (west) into the Soccer/Softball Complex parking lot, which is adjacent to the Vincent-Beck Stadium parking lot.
For ticket information, call (409) 880-1715, or visit www.LamarCardinals.com.
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