THIBODAUX, La. – The McNeese State Cowgirls softball team (20-9, 4-2 SLC) will look to rebound from a Southland Conference series loss when they travel to Nicholls State this weekend for a three-game set. The series begins Friday at 6 p.m. CT, followed by a doubleheader on Saturday starting at 1 p.m. CT. All three games will be streamed on ESPN+, offering fans a chance to follow the SLC series as the Cowgirls navigate a crucial stretch of their season.
McNeese is coming off a series defeat at the hands of Northwestern State, where they dropped two of three games. Despite the setback, the Cowgirls have won five of their last seven contests and remain a strong contender in the Southland Conference. Nicholls, meanwhile, has found recent success, winning four of their last five games, including a decisive 10-0 run-rule victory over Alcorn State on Tuesday night. This weekend’s matchup presents a key opportunity for both teams to solidify their positions in the conference standings.
Offensively, McNeese boasts the third-highest team batting average in the Southland Conference at .316. Leading the charge is Nyjah Fontenot, who is currently hitting .402 with 39 hits, seven home runs, 27 RBIs, and 29 runs scored. Fontenot’s consistent performance has been a driving force for the Cowgirls’ offense. Supporting Fontenot are Rylee Cloud (.356), Jada Muñoz (.329), Alexis Dibbley (.319), and Corine Poncho (.303), all of whom are batting over .300. Dibbley similarly leads the team with 10 doubles, showcasing her ability to get on base and drive in runs.
Pitching Staffs Face Off
In the circle, McNeese will rely on the strong arms of freshman Brookelyn Taylor and sophomore Maddie Taylor, both of whom have seven wins on the season. Taylor is 7-3 with a 2.87 ERA, 50 strikeouts, and four saves in 68.1 innings pitched. Maddie Taylor is 7-1 with a 4.11 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 46.0 innings. Kynlei Chapman (4-4) adds depth to the pitching rotation with a 3.96 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 46.0 innings. The Cowgirls’ pitching staff will be challenged by a Nicholls lineup that has been steadily improving.
The Colonels are led offensively by Claire Sisco, who is hitting .421 with 40 hits and 27 runs scored. On the mound, Nicholls will look to Molly Yoo (8-5), who has a 3.17 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 84.0 innings. Yoo’s ability to control the game and limit runs will be crucial for the Colonels’ success this weekend. The pitching matchup between these two teams promises to be a key factor in determining the outcome of the series.
Recent Form and Conference Standings
The series takes place as both teams are vying for position in the Southland Conference. McNeese’s recent series loss to Northwestern State highlighted areas for improvement, while Nicholls’ strong performance against Alcorn State demonstrated their offensive capabilities. The Cowgirls will necessitate to rediscover their offensive rhythm and rely on their pitching depth to overcome the Colonels. Nicholls, will aim to continue their winning streak and capitalize on their home-field advantage.
The Southland Conference standings are competitive, and every game carries significant weight. A series win for either team would boost their chances of securing a top seed in the upcoming conference tournament. The Cowgirls and Colonels are both 4-2 in conference play, making this series particularly important for their postseason aspirations.
Weekend Schedule and Broadcast Information
Here’s a breakdown of the weekend schedule:
- Friday, March 20: 6 p.m. CT
- Saturday, March 21: 1 p.m. CT (DH)
All three games will be played in Thibodaux and will be available for streaming on ESPN+. Fans can also follow live updates and scores on McNeese Sports’ official website.
As the Cowgirls prepare for this crucial series, they will focus on executing their game plan and capitalizing on their strengths. The team’s ability to overcome adversity and maintain a positive mindset will be essential as they face a determined Nicholls squad. The outcome of this series could have significant implications for both teams’ chances of competing for the Southland Conference championship.
Following this weekend’s series, McNeese will return home to prepare for their next conference matchup. The team will continue to evaluate their performance and make adjustments as needed to improve their chances of success. Stay tuned to McNeese Sports for updates on the team’s progress and future schedule.
What do you reckon of the Cowgirls’ chances this weekend? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow McNeese fans!
Worth a look
