BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University softball starts off its 2024 home campaign with a doubleheader on Sunday against Niagara. This will come two days after they travel to McNeese for a third consecutive weekend to play a Friday doubleheader against Niagara and North Dakota.
 
LAST TIME OUT
LU split their road doubleheader against Texas Southern on Tuesday with both games coming down to the final pitch. Game 1 saw a walk-off win for the Tigers, but in Game 2, the Cardinals were able to record the final out that eluded them the first time out.
 
KEY STORYLINES
The Cardinals would like to have the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader back as ten stranded baserunners highlighted missed opportunities, but the young team looks to use this as a learning experience moving forward. Ten of the 13 hits between the two games came from transfers and freshmen as the team continues to develop its identity.
 
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Three Cardinals grabbed their first hits of the season on Tuesday with Rose Gonzales, Mikaila Kenney and Kalie Amos each getting on base. Shenita Tucker also continued her hot start to the season as she has now recorded a hit in nine of LU's ten games so far this year.
 
On the mound, Karyana Mitchell grabbed her first win of the season going 5.1 innings allowing just one run on five hits. Makayla Valle then grabbed the save in Game 2 to continue the theme of freshmen pitchers showing up in big innings for the Cardinals.
 
OPPONENT INFO: Niagara
Time: Friday at 1 p.m., Sunday at 1 and 3 p.m.
Series Record: First, Second and Third Meetings
 
This weekend will be the first time for LU and Niagara to square off. The Purple Eagles have yet to play a game this season but are coming off a 9-34 campaign last season. Samantha Hare was named to the All-MAAC First Team last year while the team was picked 11^th in the preseason poll.
 
OPPONENT INFO: North Dakota
Time: Friday at 3:30 p.m.
Series Record: First Meeting
 
LU will also have their first meeting with North Dakota who is off to a 3-9 start this season. After a 12-38 campaign last year, Jackie Albrecht and Cassie Castaneda were named as preseason players to watch for the Summit League while Makaela Carr has also gotten off to a 2-1 start on the mound for the Fighting Hawks so far.