MONROE, La. – The ULM softball team (32-16, 12-5 Sun Belt) defeated Georgia Southern (27-19, 11-6 Sun Belt) on Friday evening (April 18) at the ULM Softball Complex, surpassing the 2024 season win count and clinching the series with a 21-0 record at home. After the Warhawks fell behind early, the fourth and fifth innings allowed ULM to bounce back in the 9-6 win.
An early lead from Georgia Southern put the Warhawks behind in the first, as an RBI double and an RBI ground out gave the Eagles a 2-0 score. After two walks and a single loaded the bases,
Hollie Thomas was hit by a pitch to walk
Brooklin Lippert for the first run of the night.
After getting the Eagles three-up, three-down, singles by
Layla Thompson and
Carys Platt placed two on base in the bottom of the second. But three outs stranded them on base to move ahead to the third. Georgia Southern left a runner on base in the top of the third, holding the Warhawks scoreless in the third to maintain the 2-1 score.
A two-RBI single from Georgia Southern extended the lead to three, as the Eagles began to pull away. But the fourth inning proved to be a bright spot for the Warhawks. After a walk from Thompson and a Lippert single, the bases were loaded with two outs.
Meagan Brown hit a three-RBI double down the line to tie the score at four runs. Thomas finished things out with a two-RBI double to take the two-run lead, 6-4.
A scoreless fifth for the Eagles brought ULM back up to the plate, as Platt and Thompson scored off a wild pitch. Lippert went on to score in the meantime, making it a 9-4 lead in the home team's favor. A quick sixth inning held the Warhawks ahead by five, but the Eagles would not go quietly. An attempt at a late rally had a two-RBI double with no outs hit, closing the gap to three. But the defense and pitcher
Mimi Blackledge held on, picking up the outs for the Warhawks' 21
stwin at home.
Meagan Brown led the squad with four RBIs, also posting a hit and a run. Five Warhawks had a two-hit game:
Brooklin Lippert, who also stole a base,
Morgan Brown,
Hollie Thomas,
Layla Thompson and
Carys Platt.
Dakota Lake was credited with the win, pitching four innings and striking out three batters.
Bristin Bordeau saw two innings in the circle, allowing two runs and striking out two.
Mimi Blackledge finished things off in the final inning, walking one but allowing no runs.
ULM will be back in action against Georgia Southern on Saturday (April 19) at noon at the ULM Softball Complex to conclude the series. Saturday will also be the Bark in the Park game, encouraging all fans to bring their dog to the ballpark.
