Louisiana
UTEP Softball Splits Sunday's Doubleheader Against Louisiana Tech – KVIA
RUSTON, Louisiana (KVIA) — In a thrilling doubleheader clash against Louisiana Tech on Sunday, the UTEP softball team demonstrated their mettle, ultimately splitting the games in a display of both triumph and challenge. The day kicked off with a resounding 4-0 shutout victory, marking the program’s first Conference USA road series win since 2016 and their first back-to-back shutouts since 2010. However, the momentum shifted in the second game as UTEP faced a determined Louisiana Tech squad, ultimately falling short with a final score of 4-2 at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field.
UTEP now holds a 23-25 (9-9 CUSA) record, while LA Tech improves to 27-16 (10-8 CUSA).
Game 1: UTEP 4, LA Tech 0
UTEP wasted no time in the top of the first inning, as Lexi Morales kicked off the momentum with a well-earned leadoff walk. Halle Hogan then ignited the offense with a powerful double to right center, paving the way for Crouwel to deliver a clutch single up the middle. A costly throwing error by the LA Tech center fielder allowed Crouwel to advance and secure two RBIs, bringing both Hogan and Morales across the plate, 2-0.
In the top of the second, Ashlynn Allen had a leadoff double to left center. Faith Aragon, in her debut at-bat of the season, capitalized on an error by the LA Tech second baseman to reach base. A strategic play by Morales grounded out but still earned an RBI, allowing Allen to add another run for UTEP, 3-0.
The relentless pressure continued in the top of the fourth, with Allen once again sparking the offense. Allen reached second on an error by the LA Tech shortstop and a sacrifice bunt by Bri Garcia that set the stage for Morales to deliver once more, this time with a sharp single to left center, securing another RBI and extending UTEP’s lead, 4-0.
Faith Aragon tabbed her 11th win in the circle, posted five strikeouts and only allowed two hits.
Game 2: LA Tech 4, UTEP 2
After three tense and scoreless innings, Crouwel ignited UTEP’s offense in the fourth with a sharp single through the right side. The momentum surged as Allen and Garcia delivered back-to-back RBI hits, propelling UTEP to a 2-0 lead. However, Louisiana Tech swiftly countered in the bottom of the fifth, as Neel’s double to left center ignited a rally. A crucial throwing error allowed Cooper and Easom to score, knotting the game at 2-2. The Bulldogs capitalized on their momentum in the bottom of the sixth, doubling their lead as Easom’s single through the left side brought Raley and Hammoude across the plate, putting Louisiana Tech ahead. Tech held off the Miners in the seventh to secure the 4-2 win.
Notables
- UTEP secured its first Conference USA road series win since 2016.
- The team showcased their defensive dominance by achieving their first back-to-back shutouts since 2010.
- Over the weekend series against LA Tech, UTEP dominated offensively, outhitting the Bulldogs 26-9 and boasting an impressive batting average of .317 compared to LA Tech’s .136.
ON DECK
The Miners will host Liberty in their final home series at Helen of Troy Field from April 26th to 28th, during which they will commemorate Senior Weekend by honoring four seniors on Saturday and another four on Sunday.
Yasin Gungor
19 April 2026•Update: 19 April 2026
At least eight children were killed and two others were wounded in a shooting in the US state of Louisiana, local police said Sunday.
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Christopher Bordelon said officers responded to the shooting just after 6 am (1100GMT), following a domestic disturbance call.
The age of the deceased ranged from one to 14 years, he said, adding that the incident involved at least 10 individuals across four separate locations.
The suspect attempted to flee by carjacking a vehicle and driving to neighboring Bossier City, where police located and shot him dead.
Bordelon said Shreveport police officers pursued the suspect’s vehicle into Bossier, where three officers discharged their firearms, killing him. He said investigators believe the suspect was the only person who opened fire at the locations.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the attack as “maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” adding: “It’s a terrible morning.”
No immediate information was available about the condition of the injured.
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When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
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