BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University softball returns to conference play when they finish up a four-game road slate with a three-game series at Abilene Christian starting 6 p.m. Friday at Poly Wells Field in Abilene, Texas. 

The Cardinals (8-22, 3-9 in WAC play) are coming off their first series win as members of the Western Athletic Conference, taking two of three against Tarleton State. During the series, junior designated player Hannah Kinkade and sophomore outfielder Audry Fleming hit their fourth home runs of the season. Fleming also scored the winning run in an exhilarating extra-innings battle for a walk-off victory when junior catcher Felixia Hinojosa sent a single to centerfield with the bases loaded. 

Senior pitcher Aaliyah Ruiz continues to climb up the LU softball all-time leaderboard. She currently sits in fourth place with 216 strikeouts. Ruiz is 10 strikeouts behind Shannon Millman, who is third on the all-time list. Laura Napoli holds the all-time record at 275. 

Abilene Christian (17-18, 8-4 in WAC play) was swept by Texas A&M in a road series one week ago, but has won three consecutive series in WAC play. 

Game one will be played Friday. The two teams will play a doubleheader starting at noon Saturday with both games being streamed on ESPN+. First pitch Friday is set for 6 p.m. 

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