MONROE, La. – The ULM Warhawks (26-18, 8-4 Sun Belt) claimed victory in their final midweek of the season against Louisiana Tech (21-19, 7-8 CUSA) in a 3-1 score at the ULM Softball Complex. The Warhawks now split the home-and-home this season against the Bulldogs and improve to 5-4 in midweek games this season.
 
Two consecutive singles in the first inning set up the Bulldogs for success, as Reagan Marchant hit the RBI single to score early with two outs. Louisiana Tech stranded two runners with a foul-out. ULM then responded in the bottom frame, as Meagan Brown hit a double to drive the momentum. A single from Hollie Thomas brought up Olivia Faggard, who doubled to drive in two runs for the 2-1 lead.
 
Dakota Lake and the Warhawk defense held the visitors to a 1-2-3 inning in the second. Two singles with two outs on the board had ULM back in scoring position, but a strikeout from Allie Floyd closed things out and left the runners. Two more Bulldogs got on base in the third, two outs stranding two more runners and eliminating a comeback attempt. A double from Thomas placed another Warhawk in scoring position, but she was stranded to keep it a one-run score.
 
Ashanti McDade entered the circle for the Warhawks, striking out her first batter. A three-up, three-down fourth brought up Carys Platt in the bottom. Platt singled to lead off, a sacrifice bunt from Kelsey Kovar advancing her to third. Brooklin Lippert then hit the RBI single to stretch the lead to two runs. Both teams went 1-2-3 in the fifth and sixth, ULM just three outs away from the win.
 
With one out captured, two singles and an error loaded the bases for Louisiana Tech, bringing a chance to tie the game or take the lead. A fielder's choice had Kovar catch the runner at home, preventing the score. With two outs away, loaded bases and a full count for McDade, the senior pitcher struck out the final batter to claim the 3-1 win.
 
Brooklin Lippert posted her fifth multi-hit game of the season with two, while Hollie Thomas continued an eight-game hitting streak with another two-hit performance. Meagan Brown, Thomas and Olivia Faggard hit a double for the three extra-base hits. Faggard recorded 14 putouts at first base to lead the team. Ashanti McDade now posts a 12-8 record this season, picking up the win with two strikeouts, no walks and no runs scored in four innings. Dakota Lake got the start, seeing three innings of work, allowing no walks and just one run.
 
The Warhawks will next host App State for a Sun Belt series beginning on Friday (April 10). First pitch is slated for 6 p.m. at the ULM Softball Complex.