LSUE drops Region XXII softball opener in pitching duel

WESSON, Ms. – LSU Eunice softball fell in the opening game of the Region 23 Tournament with a 2-0 decision against Northwest Mississippi on Wednesday. The Bengals (32-19) will take on Itawamba in an elimination game Thursday at 12:00PM.

It was a classic pitching duel early as the Bengals and Rangers combined for one hit in the first three innings. Northwest Mississippi would make its first hit count in a big way as Maddie Bower lifted a two-out solo home run to left field to take a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning.

Bower would have two of the Rangers’ four hits.

The Bengals seemed primed to answer in the bottom half of the frame as LSUE had two runners in scoring position with one out. A strike out and pop fly would squash the LSU Eunice threat.

The two other hits from the Rangers would come in the sixth as Northwest Mississippi turned a lead off single in a run. Chloe Bennett would toss another complete game in the setback, striking out eight batters with two walks.

Maddie Leal led the LSUE offense with a 2-for-3 games, stealing a pair of bases. Madison Diaville and Ashlyn Roach each hit doubles in the contest.