BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University returns to the LU Softball Complex to host its first Southland Conference series of the season. Big Red will take on Stephen F. Austin beginning Friday at 2 p.m. Saturday's first pitch is set for a noon first pitch.
 
PREVIOUSLY
The Cardinals stranded 10 runners on base and recorded two hits, but were shut out, 5-0, by Houston Tuesday at Cougar Softball Field. Cimara-lei Wessling and Cala Wilson tallied the two hits while starting pitcher Mallory Pitre was on the losing end after allowing three runs in two-thirds of an inning.
 
WALK THIS WAY
LU finished the game with eight walks, which marked the second-highest total this season (9 against Arkansas-Pine Bluff). Isabella Flores recorded the 29th three-walk game in program history Tuesday evening. Only two Cardinals – Shelby Henderson (Mar. 12, 2017, Feb. 8, 2018) and Ashley McDowell (Feb. 20, 2016) have walked four times in a game.
 
A SOLID EFFORT FOR AVA PREJEAN
Ava Prejean set a season-high in innings pitched (5.1) in a relief appearance against the Cougars. She allowed two runs on five hits and struck out a batter, but did keep Houston from breaking the game open in the second inning by escaping a bases-loaded jam.
 
 
   
LAST TIME VS. SFA
The Cardinals won the first game of their three-game series with SFA last season, 4-1. Reagan Smith pitched a complete game while allowing four hits and striking out six batters. The Ladyjacks came back to win the series by scores of 5-4 and 8-4.
 
ABOUT THE LADYJACKS
SFA (16-10, 1-2 SLC) took down former conference rival Sam Houston, 8-4 in Huntsville. Kaylee Paul went 3-of-4, including a double and scored two runs, while Malia Jones drove in two RBIs to increase her total to a team-high 21. Ellie Vance has been the driving force with 35 hits for a .402 batting average, which is best on the team. SFA has three pitchers -  Kai Hudson (1.89 ERA, 20 K), Amelia Hatthorn (2.40 ERA, 32 K) and Crimson Bryant (2.85 ERA, 63 K), who have won four games and combined for 115 strikeouts.

UP NEXT
LU's four-game homestand will end Wednesday as it takes on Texas State in the next non-conference midweek contest. The first pitch will be delivered at 6 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.