Stephen F. Austin
Sam Houston State
Ladyjacks Take Series Over Bearkats
5/4/2014 12:00:00 AM | Softball
May 4, 2014
HUNTSVILLE, Texas – A grand slam in the first inning set the tone for the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks as they defeated Sam Houston State 6-2 to win the series and close the regular season on a 5-1 stretch in league play finishing in fourth place.
SFA (24-25, 14-11) jumped on the Bearkats right away. Cadie Weaver, Shalie Day and Katelyn Standley all ripped back-to-back-to-back singles. Then, Brittany Lewis stepped up to the plate and sent the ball over the fence in left center field for a grand slam. It was Lewis’ second home run of the series and seventh on the season.
The Ladyjacks added two more runs in the third thanks to three singles, a pair of walks and an error by Sam Houston State’s pitcher to take a 6-1 lead.
After SHSU made it 6-2 with a solo homer, both pitchers were able to slow the opponent and halt any threats with clutch outs.
Senior Carlie Thomas (16-13) took the win allowing only five hits on the day and striking out five Bearkats. Thomas pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the fourth after giving up the second home run. She then sent the Bearkats back to the dugout three up, three down in the final three innings.
Lewis hit 2-for-4 on the day, and catcher Katelyn Standley was a force at the plate going 3-for-4 with a run scored. After her stellar defensive showing on Saturday, Taylor LeFlore again shined and was strong at the plate going 2-for-2 with a walk.
The Ladyjacks will now turn their attention to the Southland Conference Tournament in Hammond, Louisiana. SFA will be the 4-seed in the tournament and will face Houston Baptist at 11 a.m. Thursday. The top six teams make the double elimination tournament with the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds getting a bye in the first round.
sfajacks.com
