MONROE, La. -- The ULM softball team fell twice Saturday at the ULM Softball Complex to No. 21 UL-Lafayette. The Ragin' Cajuns (39-11, 18-4 Sun Belt) took game one 8-2 then won the nightcap 12-3 in five innings.
First baseman Janel Salanoa led the Warhawks (19-32, 3-19 Sun Belt) with three total base hits, including an RBI double in the nightcap.
GAME ONE -- UL-Lafayette 8, ULM 3
UL-Lafayette drew first blood when catcher Sarah Draheim slapped an RBI double to right center in the first inning and never looked back.
The Ragin' Cajuns exploded to a 5-0 lead in the top of the second thanks to two-run homers from designated player Sara Corbello and shortstop Nerissa Myers.
UL-Lafayette added single runs in the fourth, sixth and seventh innings and led 8-0.
ULM started to fight back in the seventh inning. Cayla Unverzagt led off the frame with a pinch-hit single. With two outs and runners on second and third, center fielder Mackenzie Miller lifted the second of two singles on the day over the Ragin' Cajuns' second baseman and cleared the bases. The late rally fell short, however.
The Warhawks scattered seven hits in the contest. Salanoa went 2-for-3 while Haley McCall and Faith Bohack each had a base knock.
GAME TWO -- UL-Lafayette 12, ULM 3 (5 inn.)
Much like the opener, the Ragin' Cajuns began the nightcap by scoring first. UL-Lafayette loaded the bases without the benefit of a hit before Matte Haack cleared the bases with a grand slam to deep left center to start the game.
UL-Lafayette added a single run in the top of the second to take a 5-0 lead.
The Warhawks showed life in the home half of the inning. Salanoa doubled to left center to cash in on third baseman Alexis Cacioppo's leadoff walk. Summer Melancon followed the hit up with her first career home run--a two-run blast over the wall in left center. Suddenly, it was a 5-3 contest.
It was short-lived, however. The UL-Lafayette offense erupted for six runs in the top of the third inning and made it an 11-3 ballgame. First baseman Kelsey Vincent's three-run homer to straight away center field and center fielder Brianna Cherry's two-run blast to left were the damaging blows.
The Ragin' Cajuns added another run in the top of the fifth.
Melancon went 2-for-2 in the contest.
ULM and UL-Lafayette return to action Sunday at 1 p.m. to conclude the series and the regular season. Fans are encouraged to arrive early as the Warhawks will honor their seniors prior to the contest.
