BEAUMONT, Texas - After a difficult start to their season, Lamar University's softball team will be tested even more so this week when they will have six games. First will be a midweek showdown against the University of Texas on Wednesday. Then, they will split time between San Marcos and San Antonio as part of the I-35 Tournament competing against Texas State, Abilene Christian, and UTSA.

PREVIOUSLY
The Cardinals lost all five contests in the Houston Tournament only scoring two runs throughout. Aleka Xayaseng (three hits), Sam Bean (two hits), and Felixia Hinojosa (two hits) each have multiple hits so far this season. Kaylee Ancelot and Kalyn Xayaseng have driven in an RBI for both teams.

OPPONENT INFO: Texas
Series Record: 1-5 (Seventh Meeting)

The Cardinals' only win against the Longhorns came in 2015 when they scored nine runs in a five-inning victory while holding UT to one run. Since then, LU lost the last three meetings against UT.

In their first games, the Longhorns are 2-1-1 picking up wins against #23 Missouri and Northwestern while losing to #8 Northwestern and tying with #17 Kentucky. UT is batting .353 with 29 RBI on 42 hits, second only to Baylor. Viviana Martinez batted .545 in the first four games with four RBI while Katie Cimusz batted .500 and homered once. Mia Scott drove in eight RBI on an eight-for-15 performance in the first five games.

In the circle, Mac Morgan allowed five runs on 12 hits in her first two starts earning a win against the Tigers while Estelle Czech pitched a complete game shutout against the Fighting Illini.

Last Meeting: L 0-8 (Mar. 22, 2022)
LU was held to two hits, with one coming from Olivia Taylor as they were shutout in five innings.


OPPONENT INFO: Texas State
Series Record: 0-7 (Eighth Meeting)

The Cardinals have yet to beat TSU in seven meetings going into their eighth meeting. The Bobcats are 3-2 after sweeping Kent State, splitting with Wichita State, and losing once to Villanova in their own tournament. Sara Vanderford has the highest batting average on the team hitting .538 after picking up seven hits, including a homer while driving in five RBI. Ciara Trahan leads the team with eight hits including a pair of three hit games in the TSU Tournament.

Pitching wise, Karsen Pierce allowed one run on five hits with four strikeouts in her two outings while earning a win against Ken State. Jessica Mullins has the other two wins in the circle with a 2.74 ERA allowing six runs on 16 hits while striking out 11 batters.
 

Last Meeting: 1-8 (Feb. 28, 2021)
The Cardinals grabbed the early lead on a first inning home run. But the Bobcats used a seven-run third inning to knock off the Cardinals in San Marcos. Aleka Xayaseng recorded a hit in that game.


OPPONENT INFO: Abilene Christian
Series Record: 10-9 (20th and 21st Meetings)

Against former Southland Conference and Western Athletic Conference foe ACU, the Cardinals cling to a 10-9 advantage all-time. The Wildcats are 2-3 with wins against Murray State and UTEP. Mecedes Eichelberger currently is off to a roaring start with 10 hits, five RBI, and a team best .526 batting average. This includes seven hits in the two victories combined. Miranda Lista also is hitting .500 with eight hits.

Talia Nielsen has won both games in the circle for ACU pitching 17.0 innings allowing 12 runs on 24 hits with nine strikeouts for a 4.74 ERA.


Last Meeting: W 6-3 (Apr. 9, 2022)
LU raced out to a 5-1 lead before holding on for the win. Sam Bean (three hits) homered while Nicolette Ramirez (two hits) drove in an RBI on a double.


OPPONENT INFO: UTSA
Series Record: 3-12 (16th and 17th Meetings)

Big Red's last win against the Roadrunners came in 2020. In what would be the last game of the season before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Cardinals held on to a 7-6 victory as Aaliyah Ruiz recorded a save.

Like LU, UTSA also lost their first five contests this season in the Bearkat Classic in Huntsville. Madison Lentos currently leads the Roadrunners with five hits for a .417 batting average while Ciarra Mata has driven in a team-leading five RBI.

Last Meeting: L 2-11 (Feb. 13, 2021)
LU overcame an early 2-0 deficit to tie, but allowed the next nine runs to the Roadrunners in the loss. Sydnee Adams and Ramirez recorded the only hits for LU.


UP NEXT
LU will meet up with Stephen F. Austin for a doubleheader on Tuesday in Nacogdoches beginning at 3:00 p.m.
 

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