LAKE CHARLES, La. – The 2024 campaign for Lamar University softball got off to a rocky start as they fell to Tarleton State 7-2 on Friday afternoon at the Cowgirl Classic. The Cardinals got on base in every inning, but 10 runners left on would prove to be the difference in the game.
 
TSU got on the board first with an RBI single in the first inning. The Cardinals got a baserunner on in the first two innings but could not bat them in. A solo shot in the top of the third would further the lead for the Texans, but Big Red was able to load the bases to start the bottom half of the inning. They were able to bring two runs across on a walk and wild pitch to tie the game. 
 
A key double play by the LU defense kept things tied in the fourth inning, but they were unable to capitalize in the bottom half of the inning. TSU would then blow the game open with five runs in the top of the fifth to put the game away.
 
LU had two opportunities to claw back but ultimately could not make a dent in their deficit. The Cardinals would load the bases again in the sixth but failed to score after an inning-ending double play. Big Red then had runners on first and third with no outs in the seventh, but another double play would strand them as well.
 
Six of the ten batters for Big Red made their Cardinal debuts with Shenita Tucker, Veronica Harrison, and Aubrey Brown picking up their first career hits. Tucker along with Jayne Sepulveda, who notched a triple in the seventh for her first LU hit, led the team with two hits while Kalyn Xayaseng also added a single. On the mound, Sabrina Jolin made her Cardinal debut as well allowing four runs on eight hits over four innings. Karyana Mitchell would pitch the last three innings allowing three runs, two of them earned, with four hits and two walks.
 
LU will look to avenge their loss as they continue Cowgirl Classic play tomorrow with a doubleheader against Tarleton State at 11 a.m. and Tennessee State at 1:30 p.m.