BEAUMONT, Texas – Cala Wilson hit her ninth home run of the season Wednesday afternoon but Lamar University couldn't overcome an early eight-run deficit to Northwestern State, which clinched the series with a 9-6 decision at the LU Softball Complex.
 
Wilson and Cimara-lei Wessling each drove in two runs on two hits to lead the Cardinals. Also with two hits were Ava Blakely (RBI) and Riley Whitley. Kaylee Cuevas was tagged with the loss after allowing four runs on three hits.
 
NSU scored four runs in the first before extending its lead to eight after 4.5 innings. The Cardinals didn't back away but fought their way back into the contest. The Cardinals kept the game alive following a four-run fifth highlighted by Wessling's two-run double and Wilson's two-run blast.
 
In the sixth, Ava Blakely singled in Sicily Windham as the Cardinals brought the tying run to the plate down by three. The Cardinals threatened in the seventh but were unable to pull even.
 
LU's six-game homestand continues Friday as it will host the final three home games of the regular season against UIW. Friday's doubleheader starts at 2 p.m., while Saturday opens at noon. The games will be streamed on ESPN+.