MONROE, La. – McNeese State scored six runs in the seventh inning to earn a 6-3 win over the ULM softball team at the ULM Softball Complex on Wednesday, March 11.
"Adrianna (Chavarria) pitched great for six innings and our defense had her back for six innings, but unfortunately, we play seven," head coach Molly Fichtner said.
ULM (10-14, 1-2 Sun Belt) struck first in the bottom of the second with two runs. Sophomore Jessica Williams and freshman Kelsey Giddens both singled down the right side and both advanced to second and third on a wild pitch. Sophomore Kennedy Page doubled to center field to bring two runs home and give the Warhawks a 2-0 lead.
In the top of the third, McNeese (19-7, 3-0 Southland) loaded the bases when Sara Geier singled down the left side, Cori McCrary was hit by the pitch and Brenique Wright was walked. With runners in scoring position, ULM navigated the rest of the inning to keep the game scoreless.
The Warhawks added another run in the bottom of the third when sophomore Korie Kreps doubled down the right side and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt. Senior Jessie Watts singled to center field and brought Kreps home to give ULM a 3-0 lead.
"I think it was good that we scored on their pitching staff because they have a really good staff and we got a couple of earned runs in there," Fichtner said.
With a 3-0 lead in hand, the Warhawks went into the final inning needing only three outs to wrap the game up. However, the Cowgirls rebounded and scored six runs to take a 6-3 lead. McNeese gained six hits while two batters reached on an error and a fielder's choice. ULM couldn't mount a bottom of the seventh comeback and the Cowgirls held on for the win.
"I hope we come out with fuel this weekend and that this lights a fire under the girls and that they're ready to play," Fichtner said.
Giddens went 1-for-2 at the plate with a run scored while Watts, Williams and Page all went 1-for-3. Watts and Page accounted for three RBIs while Williams scored a run. Kreps got a hit and a run scored as well.
Sophomore pitcher Adrianna Chavarria (0-2) got the start and picked up the loss for the Warhawks in 6 2/3 innings pitched. She gave up four runs, three earned, on six hits and struck out five batters while walking two more. Watts gave up two runs on two hits 1/3 of an inning.
Caroline Settle started the game for McNeese and pitched 2 1/3 innings. She gave up three runs on five hits while striking out three batters and walking another. Whitney Tate (3-2) relieved Settle and picked up the win in 4 2/3 innings. Tate didn't give up any hits and struck out three batters and issued a walk.
ULM will remain at home and host UT Arlington in the second conference series of the season. The first game of the series will take place on Friday, March 13, at 6 p.m. Links to live stats and video can be found on the softball schedule page at ULMWarhawks.com. For tickets, call 318-342-HAWK or visit ULMWarhawks.com.
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