The 2026 season for the Warhawks softball team is shifting to position itself as an emerging contender in the Sun Belt Conference.
Through the first stretch of conference play, the team combined defensive strikeouts and aggressive baserunning to build one of its strongest starts in recent years. But it was a single game — a long-awaited breakthrough against an in-state rival — that defined the Warhawks’ rise and reshaped expectations for the rest of the season.
On March 27, 28 and 29, ULM defeated the University of Louisiana Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns softball 4-1, 5-4 and 7-5 respectively, clinching a series victory and securing its first win over ULL in a series since 2001.
The games reflected the progress the team has been building on all season.
March 27 (4-1)
ULL scored a quick run with a double in the top of the first, but the Warhawks matched that and more in the bottom half with a double from Olivia Faggard, scoring Brooklin Lippert from second and Morgan Brown from first. ULM held this 1-run lead until the bottom of the sixth, when Elle Carter singled and scored Hollie Thomas. Cecilia Gonzalez scored from third right after, though Carter was out at third for the third out of the inning. The Warhawks kept the Ragin’ Cajuns scoreless in the top of the seventh, however, ending the game quickly 4-1, ULM.
March 28 (5-4)
Attendees might have fallen asleep before the top of the third, as both teams remained run-less until then. However, once they started, they could not stop—ULL scored two runs in the top, but ULM doubled that in the bottom with a back-to-back doubles from Morgan Brown and Meagan Brown. ULM walked a batter, with ULL’s Madyson Manning scoring from third on the throw. A sacrifice bunt from the Ragin’ Cajuns scored another run, tying up the teams at the top of the fourth. ULM responded in the bottom of the fifth with a double from Faggard, allowing Hollie Thomas a run from first base. The Warhawks held this 1-run lead until end of the game.
March 29 (7-5)
With the series already won, but still a third game on schedule, ULM and ULL met back on the field one more time. The Ragin’ Cajuns must have learned from the previous two games and immediately upped their offense, scoring on a single and a sacrifice fly to put up two runs at the top of the first. However, ULM refused to allow any win for the Ragin’ Cajuns. With bases loaded, Hollie Thomas doubled to right center and scored all three runners on base. She then advanced to third, scoring on a bunt from Elle Carter. Olivia Faggard then scored from third on a hit from Carson Jansky, and after another out, ended the first inning 5-2, ULM.
Neither team saw any action in the second. In the bottom of the third, ULM’s Kelsey Kovar must have been dissatisfied with a 3-run lead and homered to left field. The Ragin’ Cajuns attempted to come back in the top of the fourth and sixth, but the damage was already done. The game ended soon after with a final score of 7-5, Warhawks.
Throughout the season, the Warhawks have separated themselves from other Sun Belt teams by emphasizing depth over star power. Rather than leaning on a single dominant hitter, ULM has produced across the lineup, making it difficult for opposing pitchers to navigate innings without encountering trouble. This approach translates into consistent offensive output, particularly in high-leverage situations.
Equally important is the team’s ability to manufacture runs. ULM consistently applies pressure on opposing defenses, forcing errors and turning routine plays into opportunities batters are ready to take. In a conference where many teams rely heavily on home run production, the Warhawks’ small-ball execution and situational awareness provide an often-effective path to victory.
Defensively, ULM complements its offense with timely stops and steady pitching in late innings. While not always overpowering, Ashanti McDade delivers when it matters most. That balance allows the Warhawks to win close games—a critical trait as opponents grow tougher and capitalize on every mistake.
In recent seasons, however, the gap between Louisiana and the rest of the conference has narrowed. Programs such as Texas State Bobcats and Southern Miss Golden Eagles emerge as consistent challengers. This growing parity creates opportunities for teams such as the Warhawks to rise.
ULM’s victory over ULL signals that the Warhawks are ready to take advantage of that shift. By defeating a traditional power in a high-pressure series, the team demonstrated that it can compete with—and beat—the best in the conference.
Momentum has now become a critical factor.
Confidence gained from a signature win can carry through the remainder of the schedule, particularly in a sport where timing plays such a significant role. For ULM, the challenge will be maintaining that level of performance across multiple series while avoiding the sloppy, inconsistent offense that has hindered the team in the past.
The upcoming slate of Sun Belt games will test the Warhawks’ depth and resilience. Series against both mid-tier and top-tier opponents will require consistent execution, particularly in pitching and defense. Winning at least one game per series and avoiding extended losing streaks could position ULM near the top of the standings by the end of the regular season.
There are, however, areas that will determine whether ULM can sustain its momentum.
Pitching depth remains a key question as the schedule intensifies. While the staff has performed well in close games, the ability to handle back-to-back contests and limit high-powered offenses will be crucial. Additionally, maintaining defensive discipline will be essential, as the aggressive style that fuels ULM’s offense can also create pressure situations in the field.
Despite those challenges, the Warhawks’ current trajectory suggests a team capable of exceeding preseason expectations.
If the season were to end today, ULM would be firmly in contention for a strong seed in the Sun Belt tournament. More importantly, the team has demonstrated the qualities necessary to make a deep postseason run. Now, the question of whether ULM can win the Sun Belt Conference championship no longer feels hypothetical.
The Warhawks are not the clear favorite, and established programs still hold advantages in experience and depth. However, ULM’s ability to disrupt opponents, generate offense in key moments and close out tight games gives it a legitimate chance to compete for the title.
As the season progresses, each series will carry greater weight, and the margin for error will shrink. But for a program that has already broken a decades-long barrier with its win over ULL, expectations have shifted.
The Warhawks, with continued execution, could find themselves at the center of the Sun Belt Conference championship race by season’s end.
