For match one of a three-game series against Georgia State (8-19), ULM softball (21-10) showed up and showed out, pulling off a 7-3 win. The Warhawks/Panther series, set for March 14-16, marks the beginning of conference play for the Warhawks this season. Historically, the Panthers succumbed to a 3-0 Warhawk sweep in both 2023 and 2024, and the Warhawks seek to continue their victorious streak. 

Inning one proved to be uneventful, as Georgia State only managed to get one hit and neither team put up runs. The slump did not last long, as the Warhawks gained momentum and electrified the field in the second. 

With the bases loaded, utility Carys Platt executed a precise swing down the third base line for a 2 RBI single, boosting the score to 2-0. The Warhawk scoring streak continued after utility Brooklin Lippert bunted to third base for an RBI, followed by an unfortunate throwing error by the Panthers defense, adding two more points to the board. With the crowd roaring with energy, infielder Morgan Brown kept the party going with a homer to left field, allowing two runs for a 6-nothing lead. 

The overall momentum dwindled during the third inning. The Warhawks secured an additional point when outfielder Cheyenne Jenkins stole home. Georgia State also collected a point after an RBI by Jordan Rayner. 

After a scoreless fourth inning, the Panthers managed to bag two points at the top of the fifth. 

The remainder of the game consisted of multiple ground outs and pop ups, ending in a 7-3 Warhawk win. 

Platt dominated in hitting with two hits, two RBIs and one run. 

On the pitching side, Maddie Nichols had three errors, two strikeouts, two BB and 4.1 innings pitched. Dakota Lake picked up stats of her own with zero errors, three strikeouts and 2.2 innings pitched. 

In fielding, Maryssa Zenzen led with seven putouts and Hollie Thomas followed with six putouts. 

Round two of the ULM/Georgia State series will be on March 15 at 4pm, followed by round three on Mar 16 at noon.