BEAUMONT, Texas - Lamar University (8-6) will head east to Hattiesburg, Miss., to compete in the Southern Miss Black and Gold Challenge. The Cardinals will battle with the host team, the Golden Eagles Saturday at 4:30 p.m., and will have two contests each against Jacksonville State (2/28 - 9 AM; 3/1 - 9 AM) and Louisiana Tech (2/28 - 4:30 PM; 3/2 - 12:30 PM).
 
Previously
The Cardinals rallied from 3-1 down in the sixth inning to defeat Sam Houston 4-3 in a road midweek clash. Ava Blakely delivered a game-winning three-run double while Veronica Harrison (RBI) and Cala Wilson knocked in two hits. Madison Guidry earned the win with 4.1 shutout innings in relief.
 
Ava's Sixth
Blakely came up with the bases loaded in the top of the sixth to drive in three runs on a bases-clearing double, which put LU up 4-3. Then, in the bottom of the sixth, she threw out the lead runner at third, which ended SHSU's threat to tie the game.
 
Cardiac Cards? We Hope This Trend Continues
For the fourth time this season, the Cardinals trailed after four innings before coming from behind to win. The other three times this happened were twice against Missouri State, each by scores of 3-2, and against Indiana State, by the final of 7-5.
 
 
OPPONENT INFO: Jacksonville State
Time: Friday/Saturday at 9:00 a.m.
Series Record: LU leads 1-0
Last Meeting: LU, 9-2 (2/26/16)
 
About the Gamecocks
The Gamecocks are 9-6 after dropping their home opener 3-2 to Chattanooga. Emma Elrod (.364 BA) leads the team in hits (20), doubles (five), homers (five), and RBIs (14). Morgan Nowakoski tops the team with a .391 batting average while Haleigh Cushingberry has stolen a team-high six bases. In the circle, Kat Carter holds a 5-1 record with a 1.23 ERA and 43 strikeouts.
 
OPPONENT INFO: Louisiana Tech
Time: Friday at 4:30 PM/Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
Series Record: LU trails 7-0
Last Meeting: Louisiana Tech, 5-4 (3/4/20)
 
About the Bulldogs
The Bulldogs are 7-7 splitting their two games at the Rocket City Showcase in Huntsville, Ala. Claire Raley (.405 BA, 17 hits, 13 RBI) is one of three players with double-digit RBIs along with Nicole Hammoude (11) and Reagan Merchant (10). Allie Floyd has won six games in the circle and posts an ERA of 3.18 with 51 strikeouts and 50.2 innings of work.
 
OPPONENT INFO: Southern Miss
Time: Saturday at 4:30 PM
Series Record: LU trails 1-0
Last Meeting: USM, 5-2 (2/7/15)
 
About the Golden Eagles
USM is 4-10, having lost three of four at the LSU Tiger Invitational. Leadoff hitter Hannah Christian has 12 hits for a team-high .324 batting average and has stolen six bases. Maddie Weeks, who is second on the team with 10 hits, is already up to 12 RBIs, which leads the Golden Eagles. In the circle, Jana Lee has won half of her team's games and holds a 4.55 ERA with 20 strikeouts, trailing Kayla Giardina, who has 22.
 
Up Next
The Cardinals are back home at the LU Softball Complex Tuesday when they will host Texas Southern. The first pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.
 

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