MONROE, La. ? The University of South Alabama softball team used big hits to edge past Louisiana-Monroe 3-1 and win its second game of the weekend conference series Sunday afternoon.

Beth Pilgrim (11-9) faced the minimum number of batters until the fourth inning when Brianna Love hit a lead-off home run over the left field fence to put ULM (14-22, 6-5 SBC) up 1-0. Pilgrim would finish the game with five strikeouts in seven innings of work.

“Beth did a great job on the mound and fought hard for the win,” head coach Becky Clark said. “I was proud that we came out strong today, determined to win this series.”

USA (19-18-1, 5-6 SBC) answered in the fifth when Kait Chernomaz led off with a double to left field. Danielle Honore followed with a single down the first base line to bring in Chernomaz from second. With no outs, the Warhawks brought in Kandace Causey to pitch for Heather Fritz. Fritz (2-8) left the game after 4.0 innings in the circle and would take the eventual ULM loss.

The Jags took a 2-1 lead when Honore came home on a passed ball three batters later. Honore went 2-for-3 with one RBI and one run scored.

In the sixth, Chernomaz hit her second double to left center to put Kelsy Donaldson into scoring position at third. Donaldson extended USA’s lead to 3-1 when she came home, unearned, on a ULM illegal pitch. Chernomaz went 2-for-3 at the plate with one run scored.

“The team had an aggressive approach, got some timely hits and played clean defense,” said Clark. "I’m proud of the fight they showed today.”

Kandace Causey finished the game in the circle for the Warhawks with six strikeouts in 3.0 innings pitched.

Jaguar softball will play at Starkville, Miss. at 5 p.m. Wednesday against Mississippi State.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).