VICTORIA, Tx. - The University of Houston-Victoria Jaguars gave their coach Keri Lambeth her 100th victory in style on Tuesday as the team celebrated Senior Day.
The Jaguars dispatched the Texas College Steers in two five inning games by scores of 8-0 and 14-1.
Lambeth has guided the Jaguars to at least 30 wins in her first three seasons and has a 100-45 record . Lambeth also guided the Jaguars to the NAIA Tournament last season in just the second year of the program.
"I didn't earn this all by myself," Lambeth said. "The players, fans and those who have supported us through the years are just as responsible."
"This is a remarkable milestone for our softball program and speaks highly of Keri's ability," said UHV president Tim Hudson. "To achieve this success so quickly and with a startup program is a phenomenal accomplishment. I am equally proud of the success Coach Lambeth and her student athletes have achieved as positive role models in our community."
Senior Tasha Rotramel tossed a two-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts in the opening game as she improved to 15-10.
The Jaguars pounded out five extra base hits in the opener to back Rotramel's pitching performance. The Jaguars scored all the runs they would need in the first as senior Izzy Glowney leadoff with a triple and scored on a double by Courtney Pettit. Rotramel, who was 2-for-3, singled home Pettit and scored on a two-base throwing error.
The Jaguars added two more runs in the third and capped the five-inning victory with three more in the fifth as senior Brittany Faas laced a two-run double down the right field line.
In the nightcap, Baylea Wagener allowed just one hit, a two-out solo home run by Jourdan Gardner, in the second.
Jumping out to a 4-0 lead after two innings, the Jaguars blew Game 2 wide open with a nine-run third after sending 12 batters to the plate. All nine players in the lineup scored in the inning.
In their inaugural season, the Jaguars went 32-18 under Lambeth and then reached the NAIA Tournament last year compiling a 35-12 mark.
"I am very proud of all Keri and this program has accomplished in such a short time," said UHV Athletics Director Ashley Walyuchow. "She has done an outstanding job and has certainly proven she is among the best in the NAIA."
This season under Lambeth, the Jaguars are 33-15 and are 12-4 in the month of April and 13-5 at home.
The Jaguars will play host to the A.I.I. Conference Tournament on May 6-8 at Burdge Field. The Jaguars open play against LSU-Alexandria in a 1:30 p.m. contest on Thursday, May 6.
