MONROE, La. -- The ULM softball program split play on day one of the first ever Warhawk Classic at the ULM Softball Complex Friday evening. First, the Warhawks slugged their way to an 8-0 triumph over Louisiana Tech then fell in a 4-3 heartbreaker to Alcorn State.
GAME ONE - ULM 8, Louisiana Tech 0 (6 inn.)
ULM defeated Louisiana Tech 8-0 in six innings to open play Friday in the inaugural Warhawk Classic.
Samantha Hamby went the first three and two thirds innings without allowing a base hit and was magnificent throughout the game, holding the Lady Techsters to just two hits in all.
The Warhawks got on the board first in the bottom of the second. In the frame, Mackenzie Miller tore a double into the left field corner that drove in ULM's first two runs. Miller then came around to score as a result of a throwing error by the Lady Techster shortstop.
ULM added three more runs in the bottom of the third courtesy of Vanessa Garcia's first career round tripper. The blast came with two outs, which were recorded after back-to-back singles by Alexis Cacioppo and Hollie Letourneau that started the frame.
Miller added another RBI on a fielder's choice to put ULM up 7-0 in the bottom of the sixth. Later in the inning, Miyuki Navarrete's RBI single lifted the Warhawks to an 8-0 win.
GAME TWO - Alcorn State 4, ULM 3
The Warhawks fell 4-3 to Alcorn State to conclude play Friday.
After trailing 4-1, ULM mustered a comeback effort in the bottom of the seventh but fell just short.
ULM struck first in the bottom of the second. After Faith Bohack reached on an error and later stole second, Molly Mackey plated the sophomore on a single through the Alcorn infield.
However, the Warhawks' lead was short-lived. The Lady Braves plated three runs on a pair of homers in the top of the third. Hannah Vesper delivered the big blow of the inning--a two-run shot to straightaway center.
Devon Ryan's solo shot in the top of the fifth proved to be the game winner for the Lady Braves.
Melanie Coyne was stellar in relief of Jessica Colliver, going 4.2 innings and striking out seven.
ULM returns to action at approximately 5:30 PM tomorrow against South Dakota followed by a 7:30 tilt with Southern.
For updates throughout the season, follow the Warhawks on Twitter @ULM_Softball for more updates.
Support the Warhawks through participation in the Athletic Foundation, join the ULMAF by calling 318-342-5415. Be sure to cheer on your Warhawks in person; to purchase tickets for the rest of the Warhawk Classic, please call 318-342-3ULM or visit the athletic ticket homepage.
