BEAUMONT, Texas - Lamar University (4-1) heated up the bats on a chilly Thursday night at the LU Softball Complex to put away Southland Conference opponent Nicholls (2-3) 12-1 in a five-inning non-conference affair on the first day of the I-10 Border Classic. This marks the first time in program history LU has won four of its first five games. 

The Cardinals piled up 13 hits, including three each from Jayne Sepulveda (RBI) and Sicily Windham. Cala Wilson drove in three runs, which included a two-run homer while pinch hitter Neveah Hallmark collected two RBIs in her first at-bat of the season. Sabrina Jolin picked up her first win of the year going 4.0 innings allowing one run on four hits and striking out one batter. 

The Colonels struck first in the opening frame with an RBI single, but on the same play, right fielder Ava Blakely prevented the second runner from scoring by throwing her out at the plate. After being held scoreless in their first, the Cardinals tied the game in the second as Windham's double drove in Makenzie Wright. It was the third inning where Big Red exploded for seven runs beginning with an RBI double by Trinity Brandon plus RBI singles from Wilson and Blakely while Aubrey Brown drew a bases loaded walk. Gracee Hess reached on an error that scored two before Sepulveda drove in the seventh run of the inning with a single to short. 

In the fourth inning, Wilson connected on a pitch to left field that sailed over the fence for a two-run homer. Head coach Amy Hooks brought in a few pinch hitters, which included Hallmark, who drove in two runs to lead 12-1. Madison Guidry relieved Jolin for the fifth inning and retired the side in order to complete the win. 

The Cardinals are set to host Missouri State Friday with the first pitch being thrown at 6 p.m. 
 

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