Gilbert, Carr Power Pirates to Victory in Season Opener Against Ragin' Cajuns

Thursday, February 6

Lafayette, La.

7 PM

Seton Hall University

1-0

Louisiana

0-1

Seton Hall

Louisiana

Gilbert, Carr Power Pirates to Victory in Season Opener Against Ragin' Cajuns

2/6/2025 9:48:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

LAFAYETTE, LA. – Olivia Gilbert knocked in two RBI, while Kelsey Carr tossed seven innings with one earned run as the Pirates picked up a win in their season opener against Louisiana, 4-2, on Thursday night at Yvette Girouard Field in the opening game of the 39^th Annual Louisiana Classics.

How it Happened
The pitchers from both teams were tested in the opening innings, but the Ragin' Cajuns ultimately found the lead first. In the bottom of the first, Emily Smith put Louisiana in front 1-0 after knocking a solo home run to left field after a nine-pitch at bat. Both sides traded quick second innings before the Pirates broke through in the third.

The Real OG! 😎

Gilbert knocks a line drive to put the 🏴‍☠️ in front, 2-1! #HALLin🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/sL0bGvep3N
— Seton Hall Softball (@SHUSoftball) February 7, 2025

Katey Brennan and Kelsey Carr both drew walks, serving up an opportunity for Olivia Gilbert to clear the deck with two outs. Gilbert took advantage of a good pitch, driving it to right-center field, bringing both runners home and putting the Pirates up 2-1 through three innings. Now with run support and some strong defensive play all over the field, Carr retired the next six Cajuns in order to send the Pirates to the top of the fifth.

B4 | JB went 🆙 for that one!#HALLin🔵⚪ | #HooksUp pic.twitter.com/SKOyId1yZU
— Seton Hall Softball (@SHUSoftball) February 7, 2025

When the fifth inning arrived, the Pirates stretched Louisiana's pitching past its breaking point. Caroline Hobbes singled, Brennan earned her third walk of the game and Taylor Hill singled to load the bases with no outs. A force out at home would only delay the inevitable, as a bases loaded walk and a sacrifice fly from Erin Howard put the Pirates up 4-1 through the top of the fifth.

As Carr's pitch count eclipsed 100 pitches in the bottom of the sixth, Louisiana appeared to find their way back into this game. A single and an error allowed two early baserunners, stressing the Pirates' lead in the closing stages of the game. The Hall collected two quick outs, but a single by the Cajuns' Cecilia Vasquez drew the hosts within 2, 4-2. Despite allowing a walk right after, a fly out got Carr out of trouble and sent the Pirates to the seventh still protecting a two-run lead.

Seton Hall failed to add another run in the top of the inning, leaving it on Carr to close out the game. She would once again keep the first two batters off the bases, but quickly found herself with the bases loaded and needing one out needed to end the game. Carr ended up forcing the next batter to pop out to first, securing a 4-2 victory for the Pirates.

News & Notes

Gilbert had her first multi-RBI game since the game against Drexel on April 24, 2024.
Brennan registered her first career game with three walks.
Perez registered her fourth career game with two or more walks.
Carr picked up the win in the circle, tossing all seven innings and allowing just one earned run on six hits.

What's Next
The Pirates will return to action again on February 6, for the second day of the Louisiana Classics against George Mason. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.