CLINTON, MISS. - LSU Eunice picked up their first win in the NJCAA Division II National Tournament by defeating Waubonsee 7-3 thanks to a strong start.

The girls jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning.  Jordan Bishop (Newton County HS) singled to right field, allowing Rebecca Skains (West Ouachita HS) to score.  Two batters later, Jeannemarie Angelle (Cecilia HS) hit a two-run home run to make it 3-0.

Waubonsee (34-19) hit a home run in the bottom of the inning to close the gap to 3-1.

Two more home runs by LSU Eunice pushed the Eunice girls out to a 5-1 advantage.  Bobbi Smith (West Ouachita HS) and Hannah Vidallier (North Vermillion HS) each home runs in the inning.

Then LSUE's pop up woes began.  Five of seven batters popped the ball up over the next couple of innings, and Waubonsee took advantage of that.  The Chiefs put together a 3-run fourth inning to give LSUE fans a scare.  

But the Lady Bengals responded when Molly Wilson (Castor HS) drove in Smith on a single after Smith stole second base.  Vidallier then hit her second home run to push LSUE to a 7-4 lead and give LSU Eunice the first round win.

Abigail Leonards (Iota HS) earned the win for LSU Eunice. She tossed seven innings, surrendering four runs, nine hits, and striking out eight.

Vidallier was 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored.  Smith was 2-for-3 with 1 RBI and two runs scored.  Angelle, Skains, Wilson, Bishop and Haley Godeaux (Cecilia HS) each finished 1-for-3.

LSUE will face Des Moines Area Community College Thursday at 3:30 p.m.  The game will be broadcast live on stream two of the Bayou Sports Network.