BEAUMONT, Texas – The Lamar University softball team released its 2014 schedule today, a slate that includes 20 regular-season home games at Ford Park.
The Cardinals are scheduled to play 53 regular-season games this spring, starting with a doubleheader at UTSA on Feb. 8, the first of 13 consecutive games away from home to open the season. Lamar will play 27 Southland Conference games, starting with the Cardinals’ home opener, a doubleheader against Southeastern Louisiana on March 8.
“I think all of those games on the road to start the season will help us get the kinks out and come together as a team,” Lamar coach Holly Bruder said. “I think we’ll be ready for conference play when it starts.”
Lamar will play in a pair of in-season tournaments this year, taking part in the Citrus Classic Series in Orlando, Fla., and the LSU Tournament in Baton Rouge, La.
The highlight of the non-conference portion of the home schedule will be a doubleheader against NCAA participant Houston on April 16. In all, Lamar has 12 home dates, with eight doubleheaders and four single games.
“Houston is a big game for us,” Bruder said. “Any time you can bring in a conference champion (Conference USA) to your home park, that’s a great thing. I’m happy they agreed to play at Lamar.”
Lamar will face NCAA participants, Baylor, LSU and Louisiana-Lafayette on the road this season.
“I want to challenge our girls,” Bruder said. “If we win our conference, these are the types of teams we would face in the NCAA Tournament. I want them to be ready for the challenge.”
Lamar went 24-35 last season in its first season of softball since 1987, including a 16-6 mark at home. Lamar qualified for the Southland Conference Tournament by placing fifth in the standings with a 14-13 record. The Cardinals return every starter from that squad, including Candyce Carter, who hit .339, and Ashley McDowell, who belted a school-record 12 home runs.
Season ticket renewals will be mailed out in December. Tickets will be available to the public in January. For ticket information, call (409) 880-1715, or visit www.LamarCardinals.com.
