Ragin’ Cajuns sweep WKU

BOWLING GREEN — Timely hits and effective relief pitching from Jordan Wallace helped the University of Louisiana at Lafayette softball team complete a three-game sweep of Western Kentucky 4-2 on Sunday.

Ashley Brignac started the game and pitched one inning before Wallace (23-0) relieved her in the second. Wallace tossed six innings of scoreless ball, allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out six hitters.

After Karavin Dew’s RBI double and Amanda Walden’s solo home run gave WKU (28-23-1, 9-12-1 Sun Belt Conference) a 2-0 lead in the first inning, Paige Cormier tied the game in the second with a two-run double and Brianna Cherry gave the Cajuns a 4-2 lead in the sixth with a two-run single, as ULL (44-2, 19-2) extending its winning streak to 10 games.

Natalie Fernandez, who moved into the leadoff spot with Katie Smith out with an illness; Cherry; and Matte Haack all had two hits.

ULL clinched the SBC title during a doubleheader sweep Saturday.

“Conference championships are earned,” co-head coach Michael Lotief said. “These kids have answered every challenge in the weight room, battling back from injuries, in the fall practices, in the batting cages, in the classroom and now on the field against conference opponents.

“We were talking yesterday — and the fifth-year seniors have now been a part of five conference championships — and we all agreed that each year has presented adversity, obstacles and stiff challenges. In order to be the champion of this conference, I don’t think people realize how much hard work, sweat and sacrifice it takes. I’m proud of this group. They are truly champions!”

Wallace retired 13 of the final 15 Lady Toppers.

The Ragin’ Cajuns conclude the regular season against UL- Monroe in a three game series starting Saturday in Lafayette.