ULM Softball Powers Past Grambling for First Win, 8-0

Softball Feb 08

MONROE, La. -- Sophomore third baseman Alexis Cacioppo and freshman Kayla Prater's home runs helped the ULM Warhawks open the 2013 season in style with an 8-0 victory in five innings Thursday evening at the ULM Softball Complex. Junior Stephanie Routzon and sophomore Savannah Dollar combined for a one-hit shut out in the circle.

ULM (1-0) got to Grambling State pitcher Kailey Howard immediately with a big first inning. Freshman Faith Bohack, who would finish the day 3-of-4 with an RBI, led off the game with a double that split the left side gap. Two batters later, Cacioppo put the Warhawks on the board with a deep two-run homer to left center. Senior right fielder Haley McCall later singled and drove in the inning's third run.

The Warhawks plated five runs in the top of the third, including three on Prater's first-ever collegiate home run to get a commanding 8-0 lead.

Routzon kept the Lady Tigers (0-2) to just one hit over three innings pitched. After allowing the first three runners to get on base via an error, walk, and base hit early trouble, she was masterful in her final inning. Routzon worked her way out of a bases-loaded, no out jam and had help from the defense. Freshman second baseman Courtney Dutreix caught a shallow pop up off Mikiesha Henson's bat and caught Bridgette Simmons leaning off third for two quick outs. Routzon then forced a Howard ground out to end the frame.

In her first appearance as a Warhawk, Dollar pitched two perfect innings of relief.

The second day of the Mardi Gras Classic begins at 9 a.m. tomorrow with Wichita State and UC-Santa Barbara (UCSB). ULM's only game tomorrow is at 5:30 p.m. against UCSB. For a full schedule of the day's events, visit the Mardi Gras Classic tournament central page.

Post-Game Notes: Thursday's victory was ULM's 50th over a SWAC school. UCSB defeated Grambling 6-0 in game one of the Mardi Gras Classic. Cacioppo's home run ties her for 10th all-time in ULM history.

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