FORT MYERS, Fla. – The ULM softball team (4-4) opened with a 2-0 start to the five-game FGCU Eagle Invitational on Friday (Feb. 13). The Warhawks first defeated Hofstra (0-2) in a come-from-behind victory, the hot bats getting hotter in the win over host FGCU (3-4).
Game 1: ULM 6, Hofstra 3
While the Pride started off strong, it was the Warhawks who endured to find the win in the latter innings against Hofstra. After a scoreless first inning, in which pitcher
Maddie Nichols caught all three batters swinging, a three-run homer for Gemma D'Orazio set up the 3-0 advantage for the Pride. ULM was unable to respond in the second or third innings, finding their rhythm in the back four.
In the top of the fourth,
Dakota Lake led the Warhawk defense out of a bases-loaded, no-outs scenario, bringing momentum on ULM's side. A
Maryssa Zenzen double and a walk was followed by a fielding error that scored Zenzen for the first ULM score, making it 3-1. In the fifth, ULM's defense continued to hold Hofstra without a score, a
Cheyenne Jenkins double opening things up for the Warhawk offense. Jenkins went on to steal home for a run,
Meagan Brown tripling down the right field line to score another.
Hollie Thomas then joined in, a single scoring another run as ULM stole the lead.
Two singles and two walks allowed for
Carys Platt to hit a two-RBI single in the sixth, securing the score at 6-3. Unable to forge the comeback in the top of the seventh, ULM was able to secure their first victory in Fort Myers.
Platt led the team with two hits and two RBI on the day, as Zenzen, Brown and Jenkins notched extra-base hits.
Kelsey Kovar led the squad with 11 putouts behind the plate.
Dakota Lake was credited with the win, pitching four innings, allowing no runs and striking out five batters in the process.
Maddie Nichols saw three innings in the circle, striking out six batters.
Game 2: ULM 8, FGCU 3
On the other hand, the Warhawks saw a different approach in their second game, as they found hot bats quickly and worked to maintain their lead. In the opening innings, two singles, a walk and a fielder's choice had the bases loaded early, another fielder's choice scoring the first run for ULM.
Hollie Thomas then had her hand at stealing home, scoring the second run.
Elle Carter then added to the tally with an RBI single,
Kailey Monsef scoring on the throw for the four-run inning.
Holding the Eagles scoreless through the first two innings, it was the Warhawks' turn to bat again,
Meagan Brown hitting her second triple of the day, first of the contest, to lead off. Thomas then hit a sacrifice fly to score the fifth run for ULM. A double play from Carter to
Morgan Brown set up a third scoreless frame for FGCU.
Both teams held scoreless in the fourth, but the offense returned in the fifth. Sophomore Thomas launching her second home run of the season–and of her career–down the center for two more runs in ULM's tally. But the Eagles looked to respond, as a fielder's choice allowing their first score of the game in the bottom of the fifth. Two more runs, both from FGCU doubles, were added in the sixth to cut the lead down to four. In the seventh, while the Eagles looked for the comeback, a double from Thomas set up the eighth score of the game, an RBI single from
Morgan Brown. FGCU was unable to form the comeback, securing the 8-3 victory.
Five Warhawks claimed two-hit games, Thomas leading with three runs driven in and the only extra-base hits of the game.
Maryssa Zenzen picked up 11 putouts at first base for the defense.
Ashanti McDade was credited with the win, pitching 4.1 innings in the circle, allowing just one run and one walk.
Bristin Bordeau pitched 2.2 innings of relief, snagging a strikeout in the final innings.
ULM improves to 4-4 as they look to continue in the following days of the FGCU Eagle Invitational. The Warhawks will have a rematch against host FGCU on Saturday (Feb. 14) at 6:15 p.m. CT.
