LAS VEGAS – Ashley McDowell moved into tie for second place on Lamar University's all-time home run list as she powered the Cardinals to an 11-7 victory over South Dakota in LU's final game of the Sportco Kick Off Classic hosted by UNLV.
 
McDowell led off the game with a solo home run for her 16^th career HR, putting her in a tie with Beverly Corry. Casey Cromwell holds the LU mark with 19 home runs.
 
McDowell finished the day with three RBIs, as did Maddy Myers, who had two doubles as LU improved to 3-2 on the season. Sarah Ragsdale had two hits for the Cardinals. Ciara Luna (2-0) picked up the win in relief for LU.
 
"I saw some really good things," LU coach Holly Bruder said. "We were 3-2 and easily could have been 4-1. There are some things we have to work on, but this was a positive start to our season."
 
The Cardinals return home as they prepare to host the first-ever Cardinal Classic that gets under way Friday at the LU Softball Complex. The five-team, three-day event will feature five games. LU's first game is set for 12:15 p.m. Friday against Incarnate Word.
 
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