Lamar sports information

BEAUMONT – Laura Napoli became Lamar’s all-time strikeout leader Friday night, but the Cardinals dropped both ends of a Southland Conference doubleheader to the visiting McNeese State Cowgirls by scores of 6-4 and 5-2.

Napoli struck out three in the opener to boost her career total to 271, surpassing the previous record of 269 held by Ciara Luna.

With the losses, LU (24-23 overall, 9-11 SLC) fell one game behind Sam Houston State for eighth place, and the final spot in next month’s Southland Conference Tournament. The Bearkats split a doubleheader at Abilene Christian on Friday.

McNeese improved to 32-16 overall and 14-6 in the conference to maintain a share of the conference lead.

Game 1

Kelly Meeuwsen became just the second Cardinal in program history to drive in 100 runs, but the Cardinals squandered a 3-0 led, allowing six runs over the final two innings.

Game 2

Meeuwsen and Kendall Talley had two hits for the Cardinals, but the Cardinals couldn’t dig themselves out of an early 4-0 hole.

PROMOTIONS

Today is Hometown Heroes Day, with all first responders and active or former military personnel receiving free admission when they wear their uniform or present a valid ID at the ticket window.