HUNTSVILLE, Texas - Ava Blakely's sixth-inning heroics sparked a 4-3 come-from-behind victory for Lamar University (8-6) over Sam Houston in a Tuesday clash at the Bearkat Softball Complex. This is the fourth time this season in which the Cardinals trailed after four innings to rally back for the win.

Blakely posted three RBIs on her only hit of the game to lead LU. Veronica Harrison picked up the other RBI as she and Cala Wilson each had two hits. Reagan Smith started for LU, but was pulled after 2.2 innings allowing three runs on three hits and two strikeouts. Madison Guidry held the Bearkats scoreless for 4.1 innings while giving up three hits.

Gracee Hess led the game off by reaching on an error before coming in to score on a single by Harrison. Smith breezed through the first two innings, but couldn't escape the third as she would surrender a three-run homer to make SHSU lead 3-1. The Cardinals had two runners on base with one out in the fourth as Harrison reached on an error by the shortstop while Wilson singled to center, but a short flyout and a strikeout ended the threat.

With one out in the sixth, Trinity Brandon, Harrison, and Wilson each singled to load the bases. After Sicily Windham struck out swinging, Blakely came up and sent one over the centerfielder's head to clear the bases. Despite getting thrown out at third, the Wesley Chapel, Fla. native propelled LU to a 4-3 advantage. She also made a big impact defensively in the bottom of the sixth when she threw out the lead runner at third to end SHSU's threat. SHSU went down in order, which included Hess making a diving gem in centerfield to preserve the win.


The Cardinals head east to Hattiesburg, Miss., to compete in the Southern Miss Black and Gold Challenge. The first game for LU will be Friday at 9 a.m., against Jacksonville State.
 

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