WACO, Texas – The ULM women's softball team struggled
offensively in its first game of the QTI Powers Invitational Friday morning and
was unable to score a run through the first six innings to drop a 4-1 decision
to Central Arkansas. The loss brings the Warhawks to 7-5 on the season.
Jessica Olguin was the only Warhawk to notch multiple hits
in a 2-for-3 performance at plate while Melissa Rivera went 1-for-2 with a
double and Katie Girardi had two walks. Olguin also had two stolen bases while Elena
DiMattia scored the lone run for ULM. In the circle, Jessica Chastka (1-1) received the
loss after pitching 4.2 innings for two strikeouts and three runs, all of which
were earned.
Cami Newsome led the Bears with a strong performance in the
circle after allowing just three hits and one unearned run while throwing seven
strikeouts in 27 batters faced. Offensively, Melissa Bryant led Central
Arkansas with a 2-for-3 effort at plate for three RBI and two runs with one home
run.
Central Arkansas (2-8) spread out its four runs over three different
innings and was the first to score just two batters into the bottom of the
first inning after Bryant smacked a solo-shot home run over the right field
wall for a 1-0 advantage.
Both teams were unable to score for the next four innings
until Central Arkansas broke out with two runs in the fifth inning to extend
its lead 3-0. Lindsey Barsoum got on base with a bunt and stole second before
advancing to third on a sacrifice bunt by Kelvon Greer. Bryant stepped up and
hit her second home run of the day to left center field to plate Barsoum and
herself for the only two RBI of the inning.
The Bears scored their final run of the game in the next
inning as Nicoel Beals was the first to reach with a bunt single before advancing
to second on a throwing error. Beals continued to third on a groundout before
Shay Ristau nailed a double to right field to bring her home.
The Warhawks scored their lone run during a late charge in
the seventh inning as Girardi reached on a walk before DiMattia entered to
pinch run for her. Rivera belted a double to score DiMattia and advanced to
third on a fielding error by the center fielder before Ayala struck out swinging
and Navarrete flied out to left field to end the game with a 4-1 loss.
ULM will continue action at the QTI Powers Invitational with
two games on Saturday, first facing No. 23 Houston at 12:30 p.m. followed by a
game against host Baylor at 5:30 p.m.
QTI
Powers Invitational Schedule
Friday, February 25
10
a.m. – Central Arkansas 4, ULM 1
12:30 p.m. – Sam Houston
State vs. Houston
3 p.m. – Houston vs.
Central Arkansas
5:30 p.m. – Baylor vs.
Sam Houston State
Saturday, February 26
10 a.m. – Sam Houston
State vs. Central Arkansas
12:30
p.m. – ULM vs. Houston
3 p.m. – Baylor vs.
Central Arkansas
5:30
p.m. – ULM vs. Baylor
Sunday, February 27
9
a.m. – ULM vs. Sam Houston State
11 a.m. – Sam Houston
State vs. Central Arkansas
1
p.m. – Houston vs. ULM
3 p.m. – Baylor vs.
Houston
