The Lamar softball team lost 9-4 against Houston Christian University, April 18, at the LU Softball Complex, losing the series 2-1.
The Lady Cardinals started strong, getting off to a 1-0 lead in the second inning after junior Kalie Amos hit an RBI to centerfield, bringing in freshman Sicily Windham for a run.
Lamar stayed hot in the third inning, scoring two runs. Freshman Cala Wilson hit an RBI on an error to bring junior Trinity Brandon home. Immediately after, freshman Ava Blakely hit a single to centerfield to score Brandon.
The fourth inning had more of the same action, with senior Jayne Sepulveda hitting an RBI to shortstop that brought in sophomore Makenzie Wright. This would be the last run of the Lady Cards’ afternoon.
After a scoreless fifth inning, HCU caught fire in the sixth. The Huskies brought in three quick runs thanks to three different RBIs, cutting LU to a 4-3 advantage heading into the seventh.
The Huskies would tie the game in the seventh inning with an RBI by error, putting the game into extra innings.
After a scoreless eighth inning, HCU brought in five-straight runs. The first was a two-run homer to centerfield. The Huskies brought in another score after a hit to right field. The Huskies final runs were thanks to another two-run homer, putting the score at 4-9. The Lady Cards would not get a run, ending the game.
Head coach Amy Hooks said that one run would have made the difference, but there were other key factors in the loss.
“We had a leadoff triple and couldn’t score,” Hooks said. “We needed one run, so that could have been the difference. We could have had some better pitching and have made some more plays, so I think it was team effort all around. We just have to sharpen up all three phases, and that’s pitching, hitting and defense. I think if we’re sharp, we win that game.”
LU is now 27-22 overall and 14-10 in Southland Conference play where they sit in fifth place.
The Lady Cards are set to play their next game against Sam Houston, April 22, at the LU Softball Complex. Results were unavailable at press time.
For more information, visit lamarcardinals.com.