Box Score

MONROE – Highlighted by a two-run homer by Tiffany Ward, the Northwestern State softball team saw its bats come to life against Grambling State on Sunday, as the Lady Demons went on to win 10-1 in five innings in the final game of the ULM Mardi Gras Classic.

 

“We had much better decision-making at the plate in this game,” said head coach Donald Pickett. “We were more relaxed in the batter's box, and didn't put too much pressure on ourselves or try to do too much.”

 

NSU (2-3) had only scored a combined nine runs in its opening four games, but found its rhythm at the plate against GSU (0-5). Kylie Roos (1-2) picked up the win, while Angela Perez (0-4) took the loss.

 

Roos threw four innings, letting up just one run on one hit and struckout four.

 

“Kylie really came out and set the tone on the mound. She threw the ball the way that she normally does,” Pickett said.

 

Cassandra Barefield, Blair Beard and Cali Burke all registered multi-hit games, as the Lady Demons outhit the Tigers 10-1. Barefield also brought in three RBI, while Ward's big blast counted for two.

 

“Our girl's were able to take advantage of some good pitches to hit. We saw the ball well, and just continued to push those runs across,” Pickett said.

 

In the top of the 1st inning, GSU's leadoff hitter was hit by a pitch, and advanced to third after a couple groundouts. GSU clean-up hitter Amanda Lester then singled in the run to give the Tigers the early advantage – 1-0 GSU.

 

The Lady Demons had a big response in the bottom half, as Tara McKenney started it off with a walk and stole second. Jordan Palmer followed with a single up the middle, and advanced to second on the throw as McKenney moved to third. Brittany Virgoe tallied a RBI groundout, scoring McKenney and pushing Palmer to third. Samantha Roberts then notched a RBI single to centerfield, scoring Palmer.

 

Still in the first, Roos walked and Beard singled to leftfield to get Roberts to third, and loaded the bases. Barefield then came through with a 2 RBI single to right-center, scoring Roos and Roberts – 4-1 NSU.

 

NSU continued to pour it on in the 3rd, as Roos got it started with a leadoff walk. She then moved to second on a wild pitch and advanced to third on a groundout. Barefield picked up a RBI single to left field, which led to Ward's damaging centerfield homer.

 

“It was a big hit and it definitely opened up the game a little bit for us. She was looking for a good pitch to drive, and she came through,” Pickett said on Ward's home run. “It's big for a senior to step up like that and put a team away when we had the chance to do so.”

 

Though the Lady Demons weren't done yet in the frame, as Burke reached on an infield single and advanced to second when McKenney walked. Virgoe then notched her second RBI of the game with a single to right-center, scoring Burke – 8-1 NSU.

 

Continuing to apply pressure in the 4th, Beard smashed a double down the right field line, and scored on the next play when Ward reached second on a fielding error. Burke then singled to center to score Ward – 10-1 NSU.

 

Sara Aasness came in and pitched a perfect inning of relief, striking out the side in the 5th inning before the mercy rule was applied.

 

“We still have a lot of work to do before we get to where we need to be,” Pickett said. “We're a good team, we just have to keep working hard and improving each time we take the field.”

 

NSU will look to keep the bats going on Wednesday when it plays its home opener against Jackson State at 4 p.m. at the Lady Demon Diamond Complex.