SAN MARCOS, Texas – The ULM softball team will continue conference play in a three-game series this weekend at Texas State inside Bobcat Softball Stadium.
The first two games will feature a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m. tomorrow with the finale being played Saturday at 1 p.m. CT.
“For us, it is going to be about the things that it is always about – if we can get ahead of hitters, give our defense an opportunity to work and making plays – I like our chances,” ULM head softball coach Corey Lyon said. “For us, it's really about all three phases of the game. When all three phases are working and complimenting each other, we are very tough to beat.”
The Warhawks (15-14, 2-4 SBC) rallied to best Northwestern State 5-4 Wednesday by scoring two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Sophomore Paige Porter (3-1) pitched two scoreless innings in relief, limiting the Lady Demons to one hit. Senior Faith Bohack, junior Rochelle Roberts, sophomore Cheyanne Lyon and freshman Sydney McKay each posted two hits and drove in a run.
Bohack also matched a career high with three steals and freshman Rachel Tadlock, making her third career start at designated hitter, walked twice in three at bats. ULM converted four of 14 opportunities with runners in scoring position.
Roberts' .538 batting average sits in a two-way tie atop Division I. She is also one of six players with five triples and ranks 10th in the country in stolen bases per game (0.83). Senior Amye Barre has been hit by pitch (0.31/game, nine total) more often than any student-athlete in the SBC.
Texas State (21-10, 2-4 SBC) dropped a 9-4 extra-inning game against Incarnate Word after the Cardinals exploded for five runs in the top of the ninth. The Bobcats' offense relies heavily upon Kelli Baker (.340) and Ariel Ortiz (.344) to get on base and Corrina Liscano (five homers) and Kendall Wiley (four homers) for power.
Texas State sophomore pitcher Randi Rupp (15-5, 1.67 ERA) was chosen as the Sun Belt Conference Preseason Pitcher of the Year. She boasts a 77:13 strikeout-to-walk ratio and leads the SBC in innings pitched (113.0), strikeouts (154), ERA and wins.
“Rupp's a great pitcher. No. 1, she's got a great approach and mindset in the circle,” Lyon said. “The kid is a winner. She works hard to dictate the pace and tempo of each at bat. As a hitter, you have to be ready to go right from the start. If you're not ready to hit when you get in the box, you're going to find yourself behind.”
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