LAKE CHARLES, La. – Lamar University's softball team fell short in their series opener on the road Friday at McNeese with an 7-0 loss. Three fielding errors and eight strikeouts haunted the Cardinals on the evening.
 
LU (23-14, 9-4 SLC) came out swinging with two runners on in the top of the first, but neither were able to score. The Cowgirls would respond with four runs in the bottom of the frame, three of which came from fielding errors by the Cardinals. An RBI single finished off the scoring as McNeese built a four-run lead through one.
 
Big Red would manage runners in the third and fourth innings but to no avail. Emma Wardlaw allowed just three baserunners in the second through fourth innings before the Cowgirls managed another run from a Cardinal error along with two more from RBI singles in the bottom of the fifth.
 
Trinity Brandon (2B) led the Cardinals in hits with two on the evening while Shenita Tucker added another stolen base to push her season total to 23. Emma Wardlaw got tagged with the loss on the mound after working five innings allowing seven runs (one earned) on six hits and three walks. Sabrina Jolin pitched the sixth inning allowing just one hit.
 
LU finishes out their series against the Cowgirls with a Saturday doubleheader featuring games at 1 and 3 p.m. Both games will be streamed on ESPN+.