The Basics
ULM softball returns to action for the 2024 season debut this weekend. The Warhawks are set to take the field against five non-conference opponents in the 2024 Mardi Gras Mambo held at the Youngsville Sports Complex.
 
About the Warhawks
The Warhawks were picked No. 8 in the Sun Belt Conference Preseason Softball Poll, based on a vote of the league's 12 head coaches. A year ago, ULM defeated Georgia State in the first round of the 2023 SBC Softball Tournament before getting eliminated by regular season champion and tournament champion Ragin' Cajuns in the quarterfinals.
 
Returning to the Warhawks' roster in 2024 is senior outfielder Lourdes Bacon, who led ULM with a .289 batting average and 55 hits. Also back in ULM's lineup is power hitter Ashlan Ard, a .280 hitter that topped the Warhawks with a .527 slugging percentage. ULM also brings back pitchers Gianni Hulett and Victoria Abrams in the circle.
 
Scouting the Opposition
ULM will start their season with a doubleheader on Friday, Feb. 9 versus Montana at 2 p.m. and Providence at 4 p.m. The Griz are coming off of a 10-37 season in 2023 and were picked sixth in the 2024 Big Sky Softball Coaches' Preseason Poll. Providence completed the 2023 season with a 15-32 overall record and a 6-18 mark in Big East Conference play. The Friars were tabbed ninth in the Big East Preseason Poll.
 
On Saturday, the Warhawks will meet UT Arlington at 3:30 p.m. before taking on Green Bay at 5:30 p.m. The Mavs dropped their season opener to No. 2 Tennessee on Thursday, 15-0 and were picked seventh in the WAC Softball Preseason Poll. Marley Neises was selected to the 2024 Preseason All-WAC Team after leading UTA in batting average (.382), hits (52) and slugging percentage (.588). Green Bay was slotted fifth in the Horizon League Preseason Poll after finishing 22-31 in 2023.
 
ULM will wrap up the weekend on Sunday morning with a bout versus North Dakota at 11 a.m. The Fighting Hawks were voted fifth in the Summit League Preseason Poll with pitcher Jackie Albrecht and catcher Cassie Castaneda being named to the Summit League Preseason Players to Watch.
 
Where to Follow
The Mardi Gras Mambo action will not be televised. Fans looking to follow the Warhawks this weekend can find updates on the team's 'X' feed (@ULM_Softball) or can access the live stats from each game of the tournament on the softball schedule page.
 
Up Next
The ULM softball team returns to Monroe for the team's home opener versus Alcorn State on Valentine's Day. The Warhawks and Braves will play a doubleheader at the ULM Softball Complex beginning at 4 p.m. on Wednesday (Feb. 14).