LAKE CHARLES, La. - Lamar University's softball team put together a run in the Southland Conference tournament, which included two dramatic victories against both Northwestern State and Nicholls in eliminations. Aside from clutch plays on offense and defense, a big reason why was the play of designated player Cameron Niedenthal. With the conclusion of the SLC tournament, Niedenthal was honored a spot on the all-tournament team.

In four games of the tournament, the Port Neches native batted .545 (six-of-11) with seven RBI, one double, and one homer while scoring twice. After going hitless against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Niedenthal would set a season-high with three hits in the elimination game against the Demons of NSU. Each hit would result in a RBI as she singled to left in the first inning, doubled in the third, and singled again in the sixth inning for a perfect three-hit day in the 5-4 win over NSU.

The next day against the Colonels of Nicholls, Niedenthal would have a repeat performance once again going three-of-three. This, time she would drill a three-run homer in the first inning putting LU up 3-0. She then added two more singles as LU rallied back to beat Nicholls 5-4 in the seventh inning to advance to the tournament semifinals.

For the season, Niedenthal batted .306 with 30 hits, 21 RBI, nine doubles, and four homers. She also pitched in the circle posting a 5.56 ERA with 40 strikeouts. The Cardinals finished the season with 22 wins marking the most since 2019 and would also win a postseason game for the first time in six years.

#WeAreLU