BEAUMONT, Texas – Now past the midway point of the season, Lamar University softball welcomes in a familiar foe to the LU Softball Complex as they host Sam Houston in a midweek clash. The game will take place Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.
 
LAST TIME OUT
While battling time changes and weather conditions, Lamar (17-10, 5-1 SLC) still managed to pull out a series victory against Northwestern State. Makenzie Wright and Veronica Harrison each hit their first career home runs in a Cardinal uniform in the two victories with Harrison's grand slam serving as the difference in the series finale.
 
KEY STORYLINES
Despite their early success, the Cardinals had not managed a comeback victory entering conference play. Big Red now has four after just six conference games which has allowed for growth and experience for a young Cardinal roster.
 
Lamar sits just five wins back of last season's total with the second half of the season still ahead of them. The 5-1 start in Southland play is the best mark since 2019 for LU and has the team tied for first in the conference with Southeastern Louisiana.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Harrison has continued to come through when it matters most for the Cardinals as she followed up her go-ahead single last week with a grand slam in a 6-2 win on Saturday that also served as her first career home run. Since moving back from the two-spot in the batting order, she has recorded two doubles, a home run and 11 RBI to give her the team lead with 19 on the season.
 
Both starting pitchers for LU suffered their first shaky appearances of the season with Emma Wardlaw and Karyana Mitchell combining to allow 11 runs on 21 hits in the first two games against NSU. Wardlaw responded, however, with a complete game victory in Game 3 to bounce back as the pair of arms will look to return to form this week.
 
OPPONENT INFO: Sam Houston
Time: Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
Series Record: SHSU 19-8
Last Meeting: SHSU 3-1 (3/8/23)
 
Former Southland and WAC bunkmate Sam Houston currently sits 11-16 on the year including an 0-6 record in C-USA play. The Cardinals are looking for their first victory over the Bearkats in Beaumont since 2017 and first in the series since 2019. Sam Houston is led by 2019 SLC Coach of the Year Garrett Valis who is in his sixth year with the team.
 
Ellie Grill and Morgan Holliday have been the two most consistent batters for the Bearkats this season with batting averages of .319 and .313, respectively, while Tricia Yarotsky has shown promising power with team highs in home runs (five) and RBI (15). On the mound, Daryn Grams leads the team in ERA (3.88) while also proving to be a solid closer with four saves on the year so far.