Megan Murray

The ULM Warhawks will have a new look at Malone Stadium come football season. ULM installed new turf at Malone Stadium hat costed over half a million dollars. ULM Athletic Director, John Hartwell, believes the new renovation was long overdue.

Molly Fichtner, ULM softball Head Coach and part of 2014 WCWS runner-up team at Alabama credits legendary head coaches for growing the popularity of softball to what it is today.

The Monroe Youth Girls Softball League honored its young sluggers during an awards ceremony. The 8U softball stars compete for the league championship Saturday.

The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wrapped up their regular season with a win over The UTSA Roadrunners (7-5). The seniors shined in their final home game, Philip Matulia slammed a three run homer, Landon Tomkins pitched five innings, only allowing one hit and a run with four strikeouts. Louisiana Tech now switches their focus to the C-USA tournament which starts on Wednesday. The sixth seeded Bulldogs will face third seeded Charlotte 49ers on Wednesday at 9:00 A.M.

The Barbe Buccaneers have been dynamic on offense all season long, putting up 347 total runs and only allowing 36 runs with 20 shutouts on the season. The Buccaneers finally met their match with the West Monroe Rebels. West Monroe lead 4-1 in the top of the 7th, the Rebels were three outs away from their second straight state championship. A complete meltdown in the frame lead to nine Barbe runs that included a grand slam. The Bucanners put the game away and winning their 12th state championship, 10-4 the final. West Monroe finishes their season with

The non-select division IV state title game was full of mixed emotions for both teams. The Oak Grove Tigers were leading the DeQuincy Tigers, 9-1, heading into the sixth inning. DeQuincy didn’t miss a beat and put up seven unanswered runs in the sixth to cut the lead to only one. DeQuincy would go to add one more in the seventh, putting the Oak Grove Tigers on the ropes in the bottom. Off a rouge pitch by the DeQuincy catcher, Luke Simmons slides home to tie it up and send the game to extra innings. The game went all the way to the 12th, where Tanner Duff nails the walk-off hit to secure Oak Grove’s third straight state title.

The OCS Eagles are no stranger to championship games and they proved that with a dominating win over Ascension Catholic (8-0). Karson Trichel played lights out on the mound as he only allowed one hit and no runs allowed in six innings. First year head coach, Robby Devinney, lead the Eagles to their 10th state title win in his first year as head coach.

The West Monroe Rebels came out sluggish in the first five innings against the Sam Houston Broncos. The Rebels started out with four errors and the Broncos made them pay as they put up three runs. Entering the bottom of the sixth, the Rebels still scoreless, Trey Hawsey, slams an RBI double to get West Monroe on the board. In the bottom of the 7th, Rebels down two runs, West Monroe capitalizes on two errors and LSU commit, John Pearson, comes up clutch bringing in the two game winning runs. Now West Monroe switches their focus to Barbe as they look to repeat as state champions.

The Lady Techsters season comes to an end after falling to Middle Tennessee, 5-4 in the first round of the Conference USA tournament. LA Tech finished its season with a 32-24 record, including a 13-12 mark in C-USA play.

West Monroe defeated St. Amant to punch its fourth straight ticket to Sulphur. John Pearson hit a two-run home run in the first inning. For the second consecutive game, Tyler Roark blasted his second home run of the season.

West Monroe defeated St. Amant in a rematch of last year’s 5A State Championship game, 5-1. The Rebels are one win away from heading back to the state tournament. Neville and Sterlington dropped the first game in their best of three series, 11-1 and 3-0 respectively. Mangham (9-0), Oak Grove (4-1) and Choudrant (2-1) all punch their tickets to Sulphur.

OCS shut out Covenant Christian 7-0 to clinch its sixth straight trip to the state tournament. Karson Trichel allowed just three hits with six strikeouts through six innings of scoreless work. Jett Hudnall provided the biggest swing of the night with a grand slam in the second inning.

The Lady Techsters fell to in-state rival Ragin’ Cajuns for their last regular season home game, 8-1. Tech finished the regular season with a 16-9 record at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field.

In the Non-Select Division III softball playoffs, top seed Sterlington dominated Pine, 10-1. Maddie Taylor pitched a complete game and hit a two-run home run at the plate. Aaliyah Alfaro and Jaleeyah Alford also added home runs. The Lady Panthers advance to the quarterfinals against Pine Prairie.

Louisiana Tech hosted ULM for the second game in the annual I-20 rivalry series. After taking down Tech at The Lou three weeks ago, the Warhawks beat the Bulldogs, 8-5. ULM earned the series sweep for the first time since 2005.

ULM women’s golf heads to Daytona Beach for the Sun Belt conference championship as the number one ranked team. The Warhawks tied the school’s single season record with four tournament championships.

OCS hosted Ruston on senior night for a 1A vs 5A battle. Down 5-4 in the 7th inning, the Bearcats scored two runs. Louisiana Tech signee Cade Patterson recorded his third RBI on a sac fly to give Ruston the 6-5 lead. In the bottom of the 7th inning, Landon Graves hit a leadoff double. Carter Volion tied the game at six with an RBI single. Zach White walked it off for the Eagles. OCS beat Ruston, 7-6.

It was a big day across the area as local basketball stars signed on the dotted line. Carroll’s Rictavion Johnson will take his talents to Baton Rouge Community College. Richwood’s Courtney McCarthy and Jaquinton Jackson will join him at BRCC. Chelsea Woodward signed with Southern University at Shreveport, while Davion Jackson will continue his career at Jarvis Christian University. Ouachita’s Jonathan Bradshaw, Jeremy Wilhite and Jordan Davis all signed with Southern University at Shreveport.

OCS clinched the District 2-1A title with a 5-1 win over St. Frederick. Karson Trichel pitched six innings, allowing one unearned run on five hits with 10 strikeouts. Landon Graves closed it out in the seventh with an immaculate inning. The Eagles improve to 21-7 on the season.

Louisiana Tech and ULM met for the 2023 series finale of the I-20 showdown. After the Warhawks won 3-1 in nine innings earlier this season at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field, the Lady Techsters responded behind Amanda Gonzalez’s tenth inning RBI single to win 5-4 at the ULM softball complex.

ULM hosted Louisiana Tech at Lou St. Amant Field for the first I-20 rivalry game of the 2023 season. For the first time since 2007, the Warhawks defeated the Bulldogs at home, 10-6. After the win, Head Coach Michael Federico said, “It was fun to see us fight and persevere. That is the word I’ll use tonight.”

The Lady Panthers are 13-1 this season, outscoring opponents 155-28. Sterlington sits atop District 1-3A with three 15-0 run rule victories.

Wossman girls’ basketball beat Albany, 63-43, in the Non-Select Division II State Championship. The Lady Cats capture the title for the second consecutive year.

Five NELA boys’ basketball teams are headed to the semifinals in Lake Charles. Wossman defeated Franklin Parish, 65-56. Ruston dominated Barbe, 70-33. Carroll beat Beaux Bridge, 71-52. Winnfield moves on over Richwood, 77-63. Lincoln Prep won against Southern Lab, 70-58. Marsh Madness starts Monday.

The Warhawks bats wake up in game two against Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville. ULM brought the fire on offense with nine hits and 8 strikeouts, dominating the Cougars, 7-1. Louisiana Tech didn’t have the same electrifying performance in game two but they still got the win with home runs from Philip Matulia and Jorge Corona, 3-2 the final.

In the LHSAA girls’ basketball second round playoffs, top ranked Wossman defeated Abbeville, 66-33. OCS beat St. Edmund, 44-26. Sterlington fell in a squeaker to Winnfield, 32-29. Bastrop beat Church Point, 67-48. Union defeated St. Helena, 44-31. Oak Grove won over Montgomery, 40-24.

West Monroe baseball opened the season against Airline. The defending 5A State Champion Rebels beat the Vikings, 1-0. OCS faced off against Calvary Baptist at Lou St. Amant Field for a rematch of last year’s Division IV State Championship game. The Eagles got revenge in a 10th inning walk off win to beat the Cavaliers, 6-5.

West Monroe native Jessie Butler won his 12th professional MMA fight over the weekend. Butler says his goal is to get a contract with the UFC.

ULM baseball beat Bradley in the rubber match (8-4) to start its season with a series win. In his ULM debut, Ragin’ Cajun transfer Chipper Menard picked up the win (6 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 SO).

ULM starts off the season with a shutout against the Bradley Braves (7-0). Veteran pitcher, Cam Barlow finished the game with seven strikeouts. Louisiana Tech had a rough first day at the office against the BYU Cougars. The Bulldogs only brought in one run while allowing 10 runs on defense (10-1). Head Coach Lane Burroughs gives his thoughts on his teams dismal performance.

Louisiana Tech dropped its third straight game, falling to North Texas, 72-62. Keaston Willis led the Bulldogs with 18 points, while Isaiah Crawford and Quandre Bullock combined for 23 points. La Tech’s season leading scorer Cobe Williams is no longer a part of the roster. In regard to Williams, Head Coach Talvin Hester said, “Personal reasons. We decided it’s best for him that he move on.”

Wossman hosted Carroll for a District 1-3A showdown. The Wildcats defeated the Bulldogs, 66-60 to finish undefeated in District play. Antron Mason led the way with 21 points, and Kamron Coleman recorded a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds.

Louisiana Tech women’s basketball beat FIU inside the Thomas Assembly Center, 76-65. Keiunna Walker led the Lady Techsters with 17 points and nine rebounds. In her first game back since January 21st, Anna Larr Roberson added 16 points.

The Warhawks are making final adjustments ahead of their season openers. Both teams start the season at their newly updated home fields. ULM baseball opens against Bradley February 17, while softball gets underway against Western Michigan February 10.

ULM men’s basketball hosted South Alabama at Fant-Ewing Coliseum for the middle contest of a three-game homestand. The Warhawks struggled to get shots to fall early, and Isaiah Moore took advantage with a game-high 31 points for the Jaguars. ULM falls to South Alabama, 72-64.

Ouachita boy’s basketball completed the season sweep over Ruston, handing the Bearcats just their third loss of the season. Behind senior Jonathan Bradshaw’s game-high 24 points, the Lions beat the Bearcats, 62-52. Ouachita takes sole possession of first place in District 2-5A.

The Bulldogs utilized the deep ball early, making 10 first half 3-pointers, to beat Rice, 80-72. La Tech saw its 24-point lead vanish in the second half, but the Bulldogs hung on down the stretch with key defensive plays to secure the win. Cobe Williams led the way with 20 points and eight assists. Kaleb Stewart came off the bench to add 17 points, including five 3-pointers.

The Tigers hosted the Braves for a battle of the two teams tied for second in the SWAC. It was a back-and-forth affair all game, but Alcorn State pulled away late, ending the game on a 9-3 run. Grambling falls at home for the first time this season, 63-60.

The Warhawks snapped a five-game losing streak in comeback fashion with a 69-65 win over South Alabama. ULM trailed by as many as 15 points, but the Warhawks outscored the Jaguars 23-9 in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. Emma Merriweather led the way with a double-double (15 points and rebounds) and added six blocks.

Union boy’s and girl’s basketball teams hosted Carroll on senior night. The Bulldogs dominated the Farmers, 73-54. Carroll’s Treylan Neal led all scorers with 27 points. The Lady Farmers completed a second half comeback and held on to defeat the Lady Bulldogs, 56-51. Union’s Shakira Miller scored a game-high 18 points.

Louisiana Tech hosted UAB for a rematch of last season’s Conference USA title game, and again the Blazers beat the Bulldogs, 81-74. Cobe Williams and Keaston Willis combined for 50 points, but UAB ended the game on a 19-4 run to secure the victory. After giving away a new car at halftime, La Tech legend and NBA Hall of Famer Karl Malone said, “I think they are just going to get better and better.”

ULM men’s basketball hosted Texas State in its last game of a season-long four game homestand. Behind Jamari Blackmon’s game-high 24 points, the Warhawks rally to beat the Bobcats, 61-58. ULM sweeps the season series and improve to 4-2 in Sun Belt play.

Wossman remains hot after being Bossier, 74-65. This weeks Aaron’s Ace, Antron Mason II, drops 32 points on the Bearkats. Both lady and men Carroll teams get the sweep on Sterlington. Lincoln Prep having a sneaky good season, they roll into Monroe and beat St. Frederick, 61-47.

Ruston boys’ basketball hosted Ouachita in a battle of top 10 teams in the Non-Select Division I power ratings. The Lions completed a comeback win to hand Ruston its second loss of the season, 57-56. Ruston and Ouachita girls’ basketball teams faced off in a battle of undefeated teams in District 2-5A play. Ruston defeated Ouachita, 48-41.

Ruston boys’ basketball improves to 18-1 and starts district play with a 65-41 win over West Monroe. Three Bearcats score in double figures (Aidan Anding-16, Braylan McNeal-13, Jay Lillard-11).

The Grambling men’s and women’s basketball teams hosted Florida A&M at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center, and both squads improve to 3-1 in SWAC play. The Tigers beat the Rattlers, 62-57. Shawndarius Cowart led Grambling with 18 points, and Carte’are Gordon posted a double-double with a dozen points and rebounds. The Lady Tigers completed an overtime victory over the Lady Rattlers, 71-68. Leah Morrow led the way, tallying a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds plus seven steals.

The Warhawks hosted the Panthers at Fant-Ewing Coliseum for their home conference opener. ULM led by as many as 19 points and go on to defeat Georgia State, 66-58. Tyreke Locure led the Warhawks with a career high 25 points. ULM starts Sun Belt play 3-0 for the first time in 16 years.

Ouachita faced off against Rayville for its second game of the Don Redden Memorial Classic. The Lions defeated the Hornets, 59-44. Ouachita and Sterlington meet in the semifinals Friday at 6:40 p.m.

The Lady Techsters get their first home win since December 5th, 2022 over Rice, 79 to 74, the final. Tech jumped to an 18-point lead after the first quarter but the Owls kept clawing away at the lead but the Lady Techsters held on to win their second conference game of the season. Keiunna Walker finished with 26 points and 7 rebounds, a season high. On Saturday, Tech travels west to take on UTEP in a rematch where the lost, 62 to 54.

The 28th annual Don Redden Classic got underway at Ouachita Parish High School. The four-day, double elimination tournament features 10 teams this year, including six Ouachita Parish squads. Opening day action featured Carroll taking down West Monroe, Ouachita defeating St. Frederick, and Sterlington dominating Summerfield.