Junior outfielder Maddie Edmonston takes her stance in the game against Sam Houston State. Edmonston recorded the winning hit that sealed the series sweep for the Lady Lions.
Nikisun Shrestha/The Lion’s Roar

A series sweep in the three-game series against Sam Houston State left the Lady Lions softball team optimistic about their chance to move into the Southland Conference Tournament.

“I thought we played a very upbeat game offensively,” said Head Coach Rick Fremin. “Defensively, the pitchers threw really well. We were able to string hits together in this series and tear up the gaps offensively. It led to a lot of extra bases.”

The 8-4, 9-3, 8-7 series victory improves the team’s overall record to 26-25 and their conference record to 12-12. The series sweep also marked the 18th win for the team at home. Junior outfielder Maddie Edmonston acknowledged the home crowd support in the series.

“We didn’t expect the big crowd today,” Edmonston said. “So, we’re pretty excited about that. I think we use it to our advantage to kind of pump us up. This series was pretty big in dealing with the conference tournament. We knew we had to get the sweep and just give it our all.”

The third game was a tight affair between Sam Houston State and the Lady Lions. Edmonston expressed how she felt after hitting home the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning.

“It felt great,” said Edmonston. “I was having a pretty bad game, not helping my team out my first few at bats. I knew I just had to string something together, so we could get back ahead.”

Fremin gives his assessment on the closely-fought third game.

“We set the tone early with offense,” said Fremin. “We put up four runs in the first and then we left two innings, second and third, with no run production. Probably wouldn’t put us in that situation had we pushed a run across, but I’m just happy with the fight. We were able to find a way to win. As long as we get one more run than the other team, I don’t care how we get it, just as long as they keep fighting, they keep representing the university. I thought they did that in a first class manner.”

These victories open up an opportunity for the Lady Lions to move forward to the Southland Conference Tournament. Edmonston believes the team can go far if they continue to play in this manner.

“When we all play together when we’re on, we’re a great team,” said Edmonston. “We can string the hits together. We can play defense. We can just compete as one. I strongly believe that we can be successful in the conference tournament. I believe in every one of my teammates. I know that they have my back. I have their back. We’re gonna help each other through. We’re gonna cheer each other on and just play together and play for each other.”

Fremin believes the team still has some work to do and that they need to play their best game to do well in the tournament.

“We got a ways to go as far as conference tournament,” said Fremin. “We gotta handle the midweek game, keep momentum going, continue to play well at home. We got to do what we can in every facet of the game, play a clean game, to have a chance against that type of opponent.”

The Lady Lions have all their remaining games of the season at home. They hope their momentum at home continues.

“I think ending the season at home is gonna go in our favor,” said Edmonston. “We do pretty well at home. We’re strong at home. Just having those last four games, I think it can give us a momentum shift our way. We keep that momentum, and it can help us continue competing.”

Fremin shares his thoughts on the remaining home games.

“As I told them last night, we’re good at home,” said Fremin. “I just hope that continues. The rest of the games are at home this season. We can continue to build momentum. We’ve got a good team coming in here next week, Southern Miss, they’re much improved and then McNeese is at the top of the conference. We look forward to welcoming them into the park and just battling and trying to finish the season on a high note.”

 Sophomore shortstop Jaquelyn Ramon prepares to throw the ball at first base after fielding it.
Nikisun Shrestha/The Lion’s Roar

 Head Coach Rick Fremin celebrates after the team came from behind to win the third game of the series.
Nikisun Shrestha/The Lion’s Roar