BEAUMONT, Texas – The Lamar University Cardinals look to continue their mastery over Alcorn State when they host the Lady Braves in a non-conference doubleheader at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the LU Softball Complex.
 
The twin bill was originally scheduled for noon Wednesday, but was moved ahead due to the forecast of thunderstorms on Wednesday.
 
The Cardinals (15-15) are 5-0 all-time against Alcorn State, including a 7-6 victory last season in the inaugural Cardinal Classic. LU coach Holly Bruder said her team isn't taking the Lady Braves (7-21) lightly.
 
"They have played some close games against good teams," Bruder said. "I think these are going to be competitive games. They have some good players, and we have to be ready for the challenge."
 
The Cardinals, who took two of three games at Stephen F. Austin in a Southland Conference series over the weekend, are hoping to get their offense back in gear. LU scored just nine runs in those three games, while hitting .178. Bruder wants to see those numbers improve.
 
"We play these mid-week games to get us ready for our conference games on the weekend," Bruder said. "I don't think we're focused enough. We're going to work on our fundamentals and do some different things this week."
 
LU junior center fielder Brittany Rodriguez leads the Southland Conference with a .432 batting average. Rodriguez leads LU in on-base percentage (.505) and slugging percentage (.505). Senior catcher Brynn Baca, who is batting .345 with one home run and a team-best 19 RBIs, has reached base safely in 22 straight games, four shy of the school record set by Rodriguez last season.
 
Bruder plans on using most, if not all, of the pitching staff on Tuesday. Senior Ciara Luna (4-9, 3.33) and junior Laura Napoli (7-6, 3.50) are the likely starters, but freshman Anissa Rodriguez (3-0, 2.89) could also start. Sophomore Julia Voluntad (1-0, 0.00), who has thrown just 5 1/3 innings, and junior Amie Cisneros (0-0, 8.91), who has worked 11 innings, should get some time in the circle.
 
"We're going to need our bullpen to come through for us in conference, probably sooner than later," Bruder said. "I want to be sure they're ready to go when needed."
 
Junior catcher Jessica Crum leads the Alcorn State offense. Crum is batting .455 with seven home runs and 34 RBIs. First baseman Taylor Hughes sports a .396 batting average with one home run and 22 RBIs. As a team, the Lady Braves are batting .288, but opponents are hitting at a .356 clip off Alcorn State pitchers.
 
PROMOTIONS: Tuesday's doubleheader is billed as Mean Girls Night, with special Mean Girls trivia throughout the evening. In addition, fans will receive free pink koozies while supplies last.
 
UP NEXT: The Cardinals open a five-game road swing when they travel to Southeastern Louisiana at 4 p.m. Friday for a doubleheader that opens a three-game conference series. LU's next home date is April 7, when Sam Houston State comes to town for a conference doubleheader at 4 p.m.
 
TICKETS: For tickets to all LU home games, call 409-880-1715, or CLICK HERE. Tickets are also available at the LU ticket office, located in the Montagne Center, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Tickets will be available at the ticket window at the LU Softball Complex starting one hour prior to first pitch.