GRAMBLING, La. (Softball)-- From a winless weekend to a two-game win streak the Grambling State Lady Tigers have momentum heading into their third tournament of the season at the Louisiana Tech Invitational February 24-26.
Grambling State (3-9) overall has made significant improvements from last season, already matching their win total of last season. The Lady Tigers swept Centenary College 6-5 in 8 innings and 9-4. Pitcher Caitlin McDowell earned her second win of the year striking seven batters out in game one. Also, Kenyshae Beasley and McKenzie Johnson crossed home plate for a combined five runs. Both Lady Tigers finished with two hits apiece.
In game two of the double header, Grambling State controlled Centenary College 9-4, Beasley finished 2-for-4 and Allye Hartley finished 3-for-4 with two RBIs.
Grambling State faces the University of Northern Iowa to open the tournament February 24 at 10 a.m. UNI (5-3) lost their previous 2-of-3 by a combined three runs. UNI lost a heartbreaker to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 8-7, bounced back to beat Idaho State University, 4-2, and lost 4-2, to Colorado State University.
On Saturday, the Lady Tigers play a double header clashing with Sam Houston State University at 10 a.m. and Louisiana Tech University at 5:30 p.m. Sam Houston State enters the contest with four straight losses and a 2-6 overall record. Sam Houston's last win coincidentally occurred at the ULM Mardi Classic beating Grambling State 15-0. The Tigers need to watch out for Sam Houston top hitter Tori Koerselman. Koerselman leads the team in batting (.440), run scored (6), hits (11) doubles (3) and total bases (14).
Host team Louisiana Tech (9-4) is the strongest team entering the weekend edging out two wins in their last two trips to the diamond. Tech maneuvered past both South Carolina and Southeastern La. 5-1. La. Tech (6-0) at home began their season with five consecutive wins at home scoring 10 runs twice. While at home La. Tech limits teams to an average 1.6 runs.
Grambling State ends the Louisiana Tech Invitational on Sunday in a rematch of Saturday with Sam Houston at 10 a.m.
Fans can follow the action and get fast updates by visiting Louisiana Tech Invitational Tournament Centeral at: http://www.latechsports.com/sports/w-softbl/spec-rel/la-tech-invite-17.html.
