MONROE, La. (Softball) -- Coach Wilbert Early and the Grambling State University softball team (0-4)  traveled to Monroe, La. to open the season in the University of Louisiana at Monroe Mardi Gras Classic over the weekend. The Lady Tigers saw action against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Northwestern State University, Sam Houston State University, and ULM.

Game One
GSU's first game of the weekend was against SIUE on Friday morning. The Lady Tigers were defeated in five innings with a score of 10-2. The Lady Cougars scored six runs in the third inning and four runs in the fourth inning. Grambling scored in the fifth inning when Mercedes Williams doubled to center field to score Adrianna Young and Tayler Lenz-Selvera, 10-2. Lenz-Selvera was hit by pitch to reach first base and advanced to second base on a passed ball. Alexus Brown pinch hit for Young and was hit by the pitch. Young re-entered the game to run the bases.

Game Two
In game two, the Lady Tigers faced on against NSU on Friday afternoon. GSU was defeated in five innings with a score of 13-1.  The Lady Demons scored one run in the first inning, five runs in the second inning, three runs in the third inning, one run in the fourth inning, and three runs in the fifth inning. Grambling scored their only run in the first inning. Kendalyn Arceneaux hit a sacrifice fly to the pitchers and scored McKenzie Johnson, 1-1.

Game Three
GSU's third game featured the Lady Tigers facing off against Sam Houston State University on Saturday afternoon. Grambling dropped the game in the fifth inning with a score of 15-0. The Lady Bearkats scored one run in the first inning, one run in the second inning, nine runs in the third inning, and four runs in the fourth inning.

Game Four
The Lady Tigers final game was against ULM Friday evening. Grambling was defeated in five innings with a score of 13-1. The Warhawks scored one run in the first inning, three runs in the third inning, two runs in the fourth inning and four runs in the fifth inning. GSU's lone run came in the fourth inning when Arceneaux singled to center field to drive in Lenz-Selvera, 4-1. Lenz-Selvera was hit by the pitch to reach first base and advanced to third when Allye Hartley singled to right field.

Hailey Haynes led the Lady Tigers with a .375 batting average and three hits. Johnson was the stolen base leader with two. Grambling's defense was anchored by Deshuna McDaniel with 12 putouts.

GSU will return to the diamond as they travel on Wednesday, Feb. 15 for a double header with Jarvis Christian College. The game will be played at Lear Park in Longview, Texas. Game times are set for 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.