FLORENCE, Ala. – The ULM softball team (15-8) is hitting the road yet again to compete in the UNA Tournament, hosted by North Alabama. The Warhawks will take on Samford (13-7) and North Alabama (15-3) on Friday at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., respectively. ULM will then face Detroit Mercy (2-8) and Samford again on Saturday (March 8) at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. To close out the tournament, ULM will take on Detroit Mercy again on Sunday (March 9) at 10 a.m. The game against North Alabama will be available to stream on ESPN+. Live stats for all games can be found at ulmwarhawks.com.
SERIES HISTORY VS. SAMFORD –
The Warhawks will take on the Bulldogs for the 9th meeting this week, hoping to defeat Samford for the first time since 2012. ULM holds a 6-2 all-time record against the Bulldogs, the series dating back to 1990, where the Warhawks won 5-3 in Monroe. The last meeting came in 2021, where Samford defeated ULM in Birmingham, Ala., 2-5. The Bulldogs are currently on a two-game winning streak over the Warhawks.
BRAND NEW OPPONENTS –
This is ULM's first meeting against North Alabama and Detroit Mercy in program history. ULM plays three brand-new opponents this season. The Warhawks will have taken on Tarleton State, North Alabama and Detroit-Mercy for the first times in program history this season.
SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS –
Samford has opened the season 13-7, most recently falling to No. 22 Alabama, 2-9 in Birmingham, Ala. The Bulldogs have taken on three ranked opponents in Mississippi State, Florida and Alabama. Samford also recently defeated fellow Sun Belt member Troy, 5-4, in the Florida Tournament. Samford pitcher Olivia Trout was recently named SoCon Pitcher of the Week, tossing a no-hitter against Western Michigan, striking out four batters and allowing one walk.
SCOUTING THE LIONS –
North Alabama has opened the season 15-3, currently on a five-game win streak after defeating Oakland four times in Florence and Memphis once. The Lions have claimed five run-rule victories over Oakland, Lindenwood and Alabama State. Head coach Ashley Cozart claimed her 400th career win with an 8-7 victory over Oakland on Saturday. Junior pitcher Katie Simon also claimed her fourth complete game shutout against Oakland, defeating them 4-0 in Game 1 on Saturday.
SCOUTING THE TITANS –
Detroit Mercy has opened the season 2-8, most recently claiming a win over Alabama A&M, 13-9 at home. The Titans are currently on a two-game win streak, finding their first win of the season in eight innings over UIC, 3-2 in the Jeannine McHaney Memorial Classic in Lubbock, Texas. The Titans have been on the road for the entirety of their season, not playing a series at home until March 21, when they take on Youngstown State.
LAST TIME OUT –
The ULM softball team split the midweek games against McNeese and at No. 4 LSU, maintaining their undefeated reign at the ULM Softball Complex. Meagan Brown and Jacelyn Buck both hit doubles to score five runs for the 5-1 win over McNeese, even as the Cowgirls scored first for the early lead. Two home runs from Meagan Brown and Maryssa Zenzen gave the Warhawks four runs against the top-ranked Tigers, but it was not enough to combat the 12 runs scored by LSU.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION –
Softball America has released their March Position Power Rankings, revealing Morgan Brown to be ranked ninth nationally at second baseman. Brown has a .391 batting average, posting six doubles, a triple and four home runs. The Katy, Texas native has 27 RBIs under her belt, having stolen five bases.
LOOKING AHEAD –
The softball team will remain on the road, traveling closer to home to take on Grambling State in a midweek matchup before Sun Belt play begins. First pitch at Grambling is scheduled for 3 p.m.
