THIBODAUX, La. - Despite home runs from Veronica Harrison and Jayne Sepulveda, Lamar University (18-15, 6-5 SLC) dropped both Southland Conference games to Nicholls (14-20, 5-6 SLC). The Cardinals' bats were quiet in a 5-1 loss in game one, while Nicholls rallied for eight runs in the sixth to take game two, 10-4.
 
Harrison and Kalie Amos were the only Big Red members to get a hit in the first game. Mallory Pitre got the start but lasted a third of an inning, giving up three runs on four hits and receiving the loss in the circle. Sabrina Jolin (5.2 IP, two runs, seven hits) recorded two strikeouts in her relief appearance.
 
Raigan Brannon picked up half of LU's six hits in game two, including two doubles and an RBI. Reagan Smith was tagged with the loss allowing six runs on 10 hits in 5.2 innings.
 
Game 1: Nicholls 5, Lamar 1
 
For the first four innings, the Cardinals were held without a hit although they scored one run in the top of the first as Wilson reached on a fielder's choice while Harrison scored on an error during the same play. The Colonels answered with three runs in the bottom of the first to lead 3-1. Both teams kept the other off the scoreboard for the next three innings.
 
The Colonels' no-hit bid was broken up in the fifth when, with a runner on first and one out, Amos singled to left to put the tying run on base. Despite both runners advancing on a sacrifice bunt, the Cardinals were unable to deliver the game-tying runs. Nicholls broke the game open with two runs in the fifth and would hold on to the 5-1 win.
 
Game 2: Nicholls 10, Lamar 4
 
Harrison's fifth homer of the season occurred in the top of the first to give LU a 1-0 lead. The Colonels answered with a run in their half of the first as they tied the game on a wild pitch. Then, with two outs in the second, Nicholls grabbed the 2-1 lead after reaching on an error.

As the fourth inning started, Sepulveda drilled a leadoff homer to tie the game 2-2. Two outs later, Sam Flores was called to pinch hit and drew a walk. Brannon came up with a double to left field as Flores reached third before scoring on an errant throw by the Nicholls outfield, which led to the Cardinals having a 3-2 lead. In the top of the sixth, Brannon picked up her second double as she drove in Ava Blakely to put LU ahead 4-2. The Colonels turned the game in their favor with eight runs in the bottom of the sixth to effectively put the game away at 10-4.

LU will look to avoid a sweep Saturday as the first pitch for the series finale will begin at 9:30 a.m.
 

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