BEAUMONT, Texas – Shannon Klaus went 5-for-6 on the evening as the Lamar University Cardinals split a Southland Conference softball doubleheader with the visiting Southeastern Lady Lions on Friday.
 
Klaus went 3-for-3 as the Cardinals (19-16 overall, 5-6 Southland) won the opener 5-2. She added two hits as LU dropped a 7-0 decision in the nightcap.
 
Game 1: LU 5, Southeastern Louisiana 2
 
LU senior right-hander Laura Napoli threw a complete game, scattering six hits, as the Cardinals overcame five errors to claim the victory.
 
Napoli (8-7) allowed two unearned runs while striking out a season-high six hitters.
 
"Laura isn't a strikeout pitcher, but she came up with timely strikeouts tonight," LU coach Holly Bruder said. "She did a tremendous job for us."
 
Southeastern Louisiana (20-13, 7-4) struck first in the bottom of the second, taking advantage of three LU errors. Maddie Edmonston laced a two-out single up the middle to score pinch runner Anna Rodenberg, but Klaus threw out Alli Daigle with a perfect throw from center field to catcher Shelby Hughston on the play to end the inning.
 
LU took the lead in the bottom of the second when designated player Taylor Davis launched a two-run home run off the scoreboard in left-center. It was Davis' first home run as a Cardinal.
 
"Taylor was a junior-college All-American because of her power," Bruder said. "It's good to see her get her firsts home run. That should give her some confidence."
 
The third inning was LU's turn to take advantage of errors, as the Lady Lions made two in the third inning that helped the Cardinals score three runs. Klaus and Davis had RBIs in the inning for the Cardinals.
 
After that, it was all Napoli, who allowed an unearned run in the fifth. She closed the game by setting the side down in order in the seventh, the last two on strikeouts. Napoli boosted her career total to 258 strikeouts, 11 shy of the school record of 269 held by Ciara Luna.
 
"Laura did a good job avoiding damage," Bruder said. "We made some errors, but we also made some big plays defensively. I thought we did a good job of controlling the pace of the game once we got the lead."
 
Game 2: Southeastern Louisiana 7, LU 0
 
The Cardinals were held in check by Southeastern Louisiana starter Rachel Hayes (7-5), who threw a five-hitter. Hayes retired the first nine batters she faced before LU's Savana Guidry led off the fourth inning with an infield single.
 
LU starter Taylor Gruel (7-6) took the loss. Gruell went 3 1/3 innings, allowing five hits and four runs, all earned. She walked three and struck out two. Erin Kyle allowed two hits and two runs, one earned in 2/3 inning of relief, while Julia Voluntad allowed three hits and one unearned run over the final three innings.
 
The Lady Lions struck for two runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings before adding an insurance run in the seventh. Ella Manzer and Rebecca Skains drove in two runs apiece for Southeastern Louisiana.
 
The Lady Lions, who lead the nation in stolen bases added three in the second game after stealing five bases in the first game.
 
"We were able to limit the damage in the first game, but not in the second," Bruder said. "Their game is to put the ball on the floor and put pressure on your defense. I expect the same thing from them on Saturday."
 
ON DECK: The three-game series concludes with a single game at 3 p.m. Saturday. There will be a postgame Easter Egg hunt following Saturday's contest. Kids will receive a free general-admission ticket to Saturday's game when accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket. Big Red and Lu will be on hand for photos throughout the day. The Cardinals open a four-game road swing when they travel to Texas State for a non-conference contest at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. LU is at Sam Houston State for a three-game conference series next weekend before welcoming Houston for a non-conference doubleheader at 4 p.m. April 11.
 
ALL-TIME SERIES: The Cardinals and Lady Lions have met 18 times, with each team winning eight games. LU is now 8-3 against Southeastern Louisiana in Beaumont, including a 4-1 mark at the LU Softball Complex.
 
TICKETS: For tickets to all LU home games, please call 409-880-1715, or CLICK HERE. The Montagne Center ticket office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. The ticket window at the LU Softball Complex will open one hour prior to first pitch on game days. LU students receive free admission to home games with their Cardinal One card, while Junior Cardinal Club members are admitted for free when they present their membership badge.