Cajuns rebound after ULM shocker

LAFAYETTE — The University of Louisiana at Monroe softball team scored four runs in the final two innings to snap the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s 39-game home winning streak by winning the first game of a doubleheader 4-2. The Ragin’ Cajuns rebounded to win the second game 8-3.

ULL freshman pitcher Jordan Wallace (23-1) endured her first loss after setting the mark for the best start to a collegiate career in NCAA history. The first game was lost on her two-out, two-run throwing error in the seventh after giving up a game-tying, two-run home run in the sixth and despite her seven strikeouts.

ULL took a 2-0 lead on Katie Smith’s RBI single in the third inning and Brianna Cherry’s home run in the fourth.

ULM then scored two runs in the sixth and seventh. Alexis Cacioppo tied the game with a two-run home run in the sixth. And Mackenzie Miller, who struck out but reached on a passed ball and Miyuki Navarrette, on with a two-out single, both scored on Wallace’s throwing error in the seventh.

Samantha Hamby (7-5) struck out one and walked two in her sixth complete game of the season.

ULM (24-23, 9-14 Sun Belt Conference) got its first win over a ranked team since May 3, 2008, when the Warhawks beat ULL.

In the second game, Ashley Briganc (19-2) started the second game, picking up the win, and re-entered to get her second save of the season. And Nerisa Myers went 2-for-4 and drove in three runs to pace ULL (45-3, 20-3).

“The game didn’t beat us, we just came out very flat today,” co-head coach Michael Lotief said. “We have to take a look in the mirror and accept that we are responsible for the loss today. ... Jordan will bounce back. It takes a little longer for the young ones to accept a loss, but she will be fine and our team has her back.”