BEAUMONT, Texas – The Lamar University Cardinals matched the program record for consecutive wins with Sunday's 6-3 victory over Northern Colorado on the final day of the Cardinal Classic at the LU Softball Complex.
 
At 8-2, the Cardinals are off to their best start since reviving the softball program in 2013. The seven straight victories equal the string posted by the 2014 Cardinals. The Cardinals won all five games they played this weekend, the first time they ever went undefeated in a weekend tournament.
 
"I saw a lot of positive things this weekend along with some things we have to work on," LU coach Holly Bruder said. "Overall, it was a great weekend. Our players and our staff were tremendous in helping make this tournament a success. It was a learning experience for all of us."
 
On the field, LU's Sable Hankins had three RBIs thanks to a sacrifice fly and a two-run home run. Ashley McDowell and Brittany Rodriguez had two hits apiece for the Cardinals, with Rodriguez stealing two bases. The Cardinals stole five bases in as many attempts.
 
The offensive output was more than enough support for a trio of LU pitchers. Starter Laura Napoli (3-2) picked up the win, allowing three hits and two runs, one earned, over four innings. Julia Voluntad allowed two hits and an earned run over two innings. Lauren Dannelley pitched a scoreless seventh inning for her first save of the season.
 
For the weekend, the Cardinals hit .345 as a team, with McDowell hitting .462 and Rodriguez .438. LU stole 21 bases in 23 attempts, while limiting their opponents to one stolen base.
 
Luna went 2-0 with a 1.17 ERA over the weekend, while Napoli was 2-0 with one save and a 1.50 ERA.
 
The Cardinals return to action next weekend with four games at the Louisiana Tech Classic. LU will go for its record-setting eighth consecutive win when it plays Jacksonville State on Friday.  The Cards face Grambling State and Liberty University on Saturday before meeting the host team on Friday.
 
"The competition is going to be tougher next week, but I think we'll be ready for it." Bruder said. "This weekend gave us some confidence, which we need to carry over into the weekend."
 
The Cardinals aren't home again until they host Incarnate Word in a Southland Conference doubleheader at 3 p.m. March 25.