MONROE, La. – For the first time since 2019, the ULM Warhawks (19-15, 3-2 Sun Belt) clinched the series win against South Alabama (19-14, 3-2 Sun Belt) in another 2-1 score. Both teams claimed five hits and no errors on the day, the Warhawks stranding eight batters while the Jaguars stranded seven in attempts to take over the game.
An early score from South Alabama had the Warhawks battling from behind through the majority of the game. A lead-off single from Presley Lively allowed Virginia Mambelli to single to centerfield, Lively crossing home with one out on the board. A strikeout and a fly-out closed out the top of the inning, USA ahead. A walk and a single landed two Warhawks on base in the bottom of the frame, but three outs held the Jaguars to the 1-0 score.
After the ULM defense was able to keep South Alabama to a 1-2-3 inning, two singles and a walk loaded the bases with two outs on the board. A ground-out got the Jaguars out of the jam, trying to get offense going in the third. After leaving one on base without a score, USA held the Warhawks to a three-up, three-down inning.
The fourth kept the Jaguars ahead, as neither team was able to find a score. After a quick three outs were found in the top of the fifth, ULM prepared for a comeback. Back-to-back walks placed two on base, both advancing to scoring position on a wild pitch. The clutch hitting came through, as a single from
Hollie Thomas plated both runners, the Warhawks securing the 2-1 lead.
Another scoreless inning came for both teams in the sixth, sending the game to the top of the seventh. Just three outs away from the victory, South Alabama worked to forge a bounce back. A lead-off double from Lillie Stagner set up two-straight singles, loading the bases with no outs on the board.
Ashanti McDade entered the circle to get out of the jam, striking out one batter, then forcing a pop-up for the second out. The final batter of the game grounded out to McDade, securing the 2-1 victory and series win.
Hollie Thomas had the lone multi-hit game with two, also hitting the game-winning single for ULM and driving in two runs. Nine putouts from
Olivia Faggard at first base led the Warhawk defense.
Skylar Waggoner (6.0 IP) was credited with the win, allowing one earned run and striking out three to maintain the lead and prevent additional scoring.
Ashanti McDade (1.0 IP) snagged her first save of the season, allowing one hit, no runs and no walks, striking out one.
ULM improves to 3-2 in league play in clinching the series over the Jaguars. The Warhawks will remain in Monroe on Sunday to conclude the series at noon.
