Feb. 13, 2013

BEAUMONT, Texas – Fresh off a successful debut weekend, the Lamar University softball team opens the road portion of its schedule when it travels to Mobile, Ala., for four games at the Mardi Gras Invitational hosted by the University of South Alabama.

The Lady Cardinals, who went 2-1 against UTSA over the weekend, are scheduled to play one game against both South Alabama and Ole Miss and two games against Jackson State at the tourney.

“We had a great first weekend, taking two out of three,” Lamar coach Holly Bruder said. “This weekend will be a good challenge. South Alabama has received votes in the national poll and Ole Miss is always a good team. We have to be ready.”

Bruder is looking for more production from the Lamar offense this weekend. Lamar took two of three from UTSA despite batting just .188 and being outhit 28-13 over the three games.

“Our bats have to come alive,” Bruder said. “Our pitchers did a good job and our defense backed them up with some great plays, but we need to hit better.”

Candyce Carter leads the Lady Cardinals with a .600 batting average. Ashley McDowell is batting .429 with team highs of two home runs, four runs scored and three stolen bases. McDowell and Beverly Corry are tied for the team lead with three RBIs.

Shannon Millman has a 1.35 ERA over 10 1/3 innings pitched. Millman, who pitched a complete game in Lamar’s opening 3-2 win over UTSA, is tied with Tina Schulz for the team lead in strikeouts with four.

Lamar opens tournament play at 11 a.m. Friday against Ole Miss. The Lady Cardinals meet Jackson State at 5:45 p.m. Friday and 1:15 p.m. Saturday before taking on South Alabama at 5:45 p.m. Saturday.

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