LYNCHBURG, Va. – Brittany Rodriguez's two-run single in the third inning proved to be the perfect gift for Ciara Luna's 22^nd birthday as the senior right-hander picked up her 35^th career win in a 2-1 victory over Illinois State on Monday to propel the Lamar University Cardinals into the semifinals of the National Invitational Softball Championships.
 
Luna (18-17), who allowed three hits and a run in the first inning, settled down over the final six frames, surrendering just three hits the rest of the way as LU improved to 33-29 on the season. Luna gave herself a birthday gift as well, as she struck out five to run her season total to 149, passing the previous school record of 145 set by Shannon Millman in 2013. The Cardinals return to action at 4 p.m. Tuesday (3 p.m. Central), facing top-seeded Kennesaw State (40-18).
 
"It was another great pitching performance by Ciara," LU coach Holly Bruder said. "I loved the way Ciara fought back after the first inning."
 
Illinois State (33-23) took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first on an RBI single by Riley Strandgard. Luna avoided further trouble, getting out of a bases-loaded jam to end the inning.
 
The Cardinals got to Illinois State starter Sarah Finck (23-13) in the third inning to take the lead for good. Shelby Hughston led off with a walk and moved to third on Ashley McDowell's single down the right-field line. It was the 200^th career hit for McDowell, who became the first LU player to reach that milestone. McDowell, who advanced to second on the throw, and Hughston both came home when Rodriguez singled up the middle.
 
That was enough support for Luna, who improved to 5-1 in the NISC. Luna was aided by solid defense throughout the contest, as the Cardinals played errorless ball.
 
McDowell had two hits for LU, while Rodriguez and Maddy Myers had the other hits for the Cardinals.
 
"We got timely hitting when we needed it," Bruder said. "Our defense has really stepped up in the postseason as well."
 
Finck pitched a complete game for the Redbirds, allowing four hits and two runs, both earned. She walked three and struck out four.
 
Tuesday's game will be shown on ESPN3. An LU win would put the Cardinals into the championship round on Wednesday. A loss would put the Cardinals into an elimination game at 7 p.m. (6 p.m. Central) on Tuesday.
 
"We're off to a good start. We just have to keep it going," Bruder said.