HATTIESBURG, Miss. – No. 17 Lady Crusaders sweep Louisiana Christian in non-conference action, taking game one 2-0 and game two 4-0 Tuesday afternoon at Joseph & Nancy Fail Field.
 
Carey had the early chances in game one, putting runners in scoring position in the first and third innings but was unable to bring the runner home. The Wildcats had their best opportunity in the top of the fourth, putting runners on second and third with one out. However, starting pitcher Reanna Nieman worked out the jam, picking up a strikeout and a fly out to left.
 
WCU followed in the bottom half of the frame again putting a runner in scoring position. It looked like LCU was going to escape the inning once again, as starting pitcher Addison Greak induced a fly ball to right. However, as Carley Koch was attempting the catch, she collided with the second baseman causing her to drop the ball which allowed Magen Caro to score the first run of the game.
 
It was like déjà vu in the sixth for the Wildcats, as two errors and a single loaded the bases with one out. This time though, Madison Grey ripped a single to center, scoring Anna Grace Shows to make it two run advantage. Nieman then worked a one two three seventh to seal the victory.
 
In seven innings of work, Nieman scattered three hits while striking out seven to earn the win.
 
Game two saw Carey again put runners on base early but unable to capitalize. LCU looked poised to get run a across in the fourth, as they recorded three straight one out singles to center to load the bases.
 
However, starting pitcher Ryanne Hornsby picked up a pivotal out, inducing a pop fly in foul territory and then worked out the jam on a brilliant changeup for the strikeout. The Lady Crusaders started the bottom of the fourth with Laila Clark reaching base on an error and then advancing to third on a sac bunt by Madison Prejean.
 
The aggressive base running by Clark would pay dividends, as she would come in to score on a wild pitch to the next batter to give WCU the one run lead. After picking up two quick outs to start the fifth, Carey got back-to-back singles from Lilli Robertson and Clark with Prejean drawing a walk to load the bases. Albanie Fussell then delivered the hit WCU had been looking for, clearing the bases on a double to right center.
 
Hornsby did the rest, as she allowed one hit over the final two innings to seal the victory. For the game, Hornsby allowed six hits with four strikeouts in seven innings of work to earn the victory.
 
Carey is back in action on Saturday, April 5, as they head to Cochran, Ga. to take on Middle Georgia State in a crucial SSAC match-up. Play is set to being at 11:00 am at Knights Field.