James Madison University softball defeated Louisiana 6-2 in the opening game of their three-game series at Veterans Memorial Park on April 10.
The victory gives James Madison a boost in the Sun Belt Conference standings, with both teams entering the matchup holding identical conference records. Timely hitting and strong pitching were key factors for James Madison in securing the win.
Kendra Lewis gave James Madison an early advantage with a two-run home run in the first inning, scoring Kylee Gleason. The Dukes extended their lead in the second when Gleason doubled to left field, bringing home Cali Legzdin. In the third inning, Payton List doubled in another run after Louisiana scored on a bases-loaded walk, maintaining a three-run cushion for James Madison.
Cali Legzdin hit a two-run homer in the sixth inning to give James Madison a 6-1 lead. Louisiana managed a solo home run in the seventh but could not close the gap further as they lined into a double play and then grounded out to end the game.
Payton List contributed both offensively and defensively by finishing 2-for-3 with an RBI at bat and striking out five over three innings pitched. Taylor Johnson earned the win after pitching three innings of relief and recording three strikeouts.
Game two of this series is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Veterans Memorial Park, with streaming available on ESPN+.
