The ULM Warhawks lost to South Alabama in the semifinals of the Sun Belt Tournament on May 9. The Jaguars won with a score of 3-1, recording six hits and three runs, while the Warhawks managed two hits and one run.
This game was important as it determined which team would advance to the finals of the Sun Belt Tournament. Both teams had strong seasons, with ULM finishing as regular season champions.
After a four-and-a-half-hour weather delay, South Alabama began with a single. ULM’s Ashanti McDade struck out a batter to keep the first inning scoreless. Meagan Brown and Morgan Brown each hit singles for ULM, and Morgan Brown scored after an error by South Alabama. The Jaguars tied the game in the second inning when Edy Gavin stole home. In the third inning, Olivia Branstetter doubled for South Alabama, giving them a lead they did not give up.
South Alabama extended their lead to 3-1 in the fourth inning after another walk and a sacrifice fly. Skylar Waggoner pitched five innings for ULM, striking out five batters and allowing just one run during her time on the mound. Despite getting runners on base late in the game, ULM could not add more runs.
Meagan Brown and Morgan Brown were responsible for both Warhawk hits; Morgan also scored their only run. Olivia Faggard led defensively with seven putouts at first base, while Carson Jansky had five assists. McDade was credited with the loss after pitching two innings.
ULM ended its season at 38-20 overall—the most wins since 1997—and claimed its first-ever Sun Belt regular season championship since joining that conference. The team also set a program record with 83 doubles this year.
The Warhawks will now wait for possible selection into NCAA postseason play during Sunday’s selection show.
