Pitchers

The Lady Cardinals pitching corps will be a veteran group heading into the 2020 campaign with just one senior pitcher, but that does not deny the confidence the coaching staff has in the rotation. While Lamar loses just 29 percent of its innings pitched with the graduation of Julia Voluntad, the return of sophomore ace Aaliyah Ruiz, whose 2.30 ERA ranked eighth in the Southland last season, gives the Lady Cardinals a solid foundation.

"I am really excited for these pitchers to get on the field and face hitters other then their teammates," said head coach Amy Hooks. "These five have been working extremely hard to improve last season and I am ready to see that pay off."

Ruiz (Beeville, Texas) will assume the leading role, but will get some needed relief with the welcoming of transfer Shelby Mixon from Angelina College. Mixon comes to Lamar after leading Angelina College to the NJCAA World Series during her sophomore year, while the team finished as runners-up.

Coming back to LU are veterans Erin Kyle, Jade Lewis and Mackenzie Savage. The trio return brings back 71 percent of innings pitched and 73 percent of strikeouts. Lewis returns after a First Team All-Conference honor that saw her in the circle for 62.2 innings pitched while throwing four complete games.

"We are excited to bring Shelby into the rotation as she fits in perfectly," Amy Hooks added. "She will bring a different style of pitching to our rotation."

The Lady Cardinals are set to kick off their season at the Texas Classic on Feb. 7-8 in Austin, Texas. As the team gears up to spend the first two weeks on the road before coming home to host the Cardinal Classic on February 21-22.

Stay tuned for more position previews. Up next – catchers.