MONROE, La. – The ULM softball squad is prepared to take on McNeese State in its season opener Thursday at 6 p.m. before hosting the Mardi Gras Classic, a five-team tournament, this weekend at ULM Softball Complex.
The Warhawks are seeking their eighth straight win in the season opener and are coming off of the first 30-win season and record over .500 since 2001.
The Maroon and Gold return five defensive starters in seniors Amye Barre (.243) and Faith Bohack (.304) and juniors Sidney Coy (.288), Vanessa Garcia (.313) and Rochelle Roberts (.382). Sophomore Cheyanne Lyon (.209) also started 46 of 52 games at designated hitter.
Bohack enters the season needing just three RBIs to become the sixth ULM softball student-athlete since 1984 to drive in 100 runs. ULM also returns its top-two pitchers from last season, junior Melanie Coyne (13-15, 3.67 ERA) and sophomore Paige Porter (10-5, 4.93 ERA).
Roberts was recently recognized as a Preseason All-SBC Outfielder after her stellar sophomore campaign, where she recorded the fourth-best batting average and most steals (36) in the SBC. She also recorded a perfect fielding percentage on 108 chances.
The Warhawks were chosen to finish sixth in the SBC Preseason Coaches Poll.
McNeese State | Feb. 11 | 6 p.m.
The Cowgirls are coming off a 36-20 season, including a 21-5 record in the Southland Conference. McNeese was chosen to finish second in both SLC Preseason Polls, receiving two first-place votes in the poll voted on by sports information directors.
The Cowgirls placed four players on the Preseason All-SLC Team including sophomore catcher Erika Piancastelli, who was one of 10 sophomores added to the “watch list” for 2016 USA Softball Player of the Year. Last season she hit .430 while driving in 54 runs and set a McNeese single-season record with 18 home runs.
Senior Emily Vincent and junior Rachel Smith, The Cowgirls' top-two starting pitchers, were named to the All-SLC Second Team. Vincent finished 2015 with a 14-6 record and the second-lowest ERA in the SLC (2.15). Smith notched a 12-6 record in addition to a 1.64 ERA in SLC games. The duo each recorded three shutouts, tying for the team's most.
Mardi Gras Classic Tournament Page
Tickets for the Mardi Gras Classic may be purchased here or by visiting the ticket office inside Fant-Ewing Coliseum. Please be aware that only cash will be accepted at ULM Softball Complex. For more information, please contact the ULM athletics ticket office at 318-342-3ULM (3856).
Prairie View A&M | Feb. 12 | 1 p.m.
Prairie View A&M recorded a 9-27 (7-9 SWAC) record in 2015, finishing third in the SWAC West. The Lady Panthers turn to sophomore Destinee Williams, an All-SWAC First Team selection, to lead their squad after turning in a .386 batting average last season complemented by 28 RBIs, 29 runs, 15 stolen bases and five home runs.
Grambling State | Feb. 12, 3 p.m. | Feb. 13, 11 a.m.
GSU finished with a 9-29 (7-10 SWAC) record last season, good for fourth in the SWAC West. The Lady Tigers are looking to fill the voids left by All-SWAC First Teamer Nicole Ene and top pitcher Nicolette Wunderly. Grambling State will turn to Mercedes Williams, the team's top returning hitter at .259. Aaliyah Lowe is the top returner on the mound despite at 0-7 with a 6.83 ERA in nine starts.
Stephen F. Austin | Feb. 13 | 3 p.m.
SFA went 19-32 (7-6 SLC) last season and was chosen to finish ninth in both of the SLC Preseason Polls. The Ladyjacks will rely heavily on 2016 Preseason All-SLC First Team designated player Brittany Lewis, who hit .330 last year with six doubles, six home runs and 26 RBIs.
Seton Hall | Feb. 14 | 9 a.m.
The Pirates were tabbed to finish fourth in the Big East this season, returning two Big East First Team performers in Yasmin Harrell and Alexis Walkden. Harrell notched a .330 average with 15 stolen bases while Harrell, the reigning BIG EAST Rookie of the Year, set a school record with 20 homers, a mark that ranked her 20th in the country. Despite finishing third in the final league standings, the Pirates were in contention as they fell in the BIG EAST Championship to St. John's, 7-5.
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