MONROE, La. – The ULM Warhawks (27-18, 9-4 Sun Belt) got the edge in the Sun Belt series against App State (24-14, 4-9 Sun Belt) at the ULM Softball Complex. In a 2-0 score, App State claimed just two hits and were shut out for the first time all season. The Warhawks scored two runs in the first inning, holding on through all seven innings and picking up six hits.
 
An early strikeout from pitcher Ashanti McDade placed the Warhawk defense in good position, just one runner left on base from a walk in the opening inning. With two outs on the board for ULM in the bottom, a single from Morgan Brown brought Hollie Thomas to the plate, whacking her first career triple to right field to score the first run of the game. A walk put two runners on, as Thomas stole home for the second run of the game.
 
Down 2-0, the Mountaineers fought back with a lead-off single, another placing two on base with one out. Two more outs shut down the bounce back, sending the Warhawk offense back to hit. While Carys Platt landed on with a single, the score remained the same as the game headed to the third. Another three outs came and went for App State, one landing on base but no runners plated. ULM went 1-2-3 to send the game to the fourth inning. 
 
Even as Julia Girk reached first base from a fielding error, ULM's defense held steady to leave her there as three outs prevented a score. Another three-up, three-down inning for the Warhawks sent the game to the fifth, where the Mountaineers did the same. A lead-off single from Kailey Monsef in the bottom of the fifth allowed for offensive momentum to build for the home team. Platt singled again, stealing second as two runners sat in scoring position. But two strikeouts from Sophie Moshos prevented the lead extension.
 
In the sixth, two quick outs were found before a walk brought life to App State. But a third out in the form of a ground-out dashed the hopes at a comeback. Thomas claimed a single to add to her tally in the bottom frame, but she was left on base to bring up the seventh. McDade struck out another batter before a hit-by-pitch and a walk had the pitcher fighting. With two outs on the board and two runners on base, Macy Hamby grounded out to secure the 2-0 victory and series lead for ULM.
 
Hollie Thomas claimed the lone RBI to go with yet another multi-hit game, forging ahead with a nine-game hitting streak. Carys Platt also had a two-hit game, her ninth of the season. Olivia Faggard led the defense with seven putouts at first base, Platt close behind with six in left field. Ashanti McDade went all the way with a complete-game shutout, her first of the season. McDade allowed just two hits against one of the strongest offensive teams in the conference, allowing no runs and striking out two.
 
ULM improves to 9-4 in Sun Belt play with the win. The Warhawks will continue the series on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the ULM Softball Complex.