Softball: Nicholls splits doubleheader against Southeastern Louisiana

THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University softball team took the opener against Southeastern Louisiana, 3-2, before falling in the second game, 11-1, Friday night at Swanner Field at Geo Surfaces Park.

With the split, Nicholls sits at 31-20 overall and 20-6 in the Southland. The Colonels will go for the series win on Saturday for Senior Day, scheduled for 12 p.m.

In the opener, Megan Landry went the distance and improved to 24-10 on the season. The Colonels fell behind 2-0 in the early innings before scoring three unanswered, taking the lead in the sixth on a Corynn Major fielder’s choice. Major and Samantha Mracich led the offense with two hits each.

Landry allowed eight hits in seven innings, including an RBI double in the first and a solo homer in the second. But Nicholls loaded the bases in the third and scored when Emma Holland was hit by a pitch. Kasey Frederick grounded out for another run, tying the game at 2-2.

The Colonel sixth was started on a one-out single by Caitlin Garcia. Senior Veronica Villafranco followed with a double down the left field line, then Major drove in the go-ahead run when she slapped a high bouncer to second and the throw was wide at the plate.

SLU had a two-out single by Jacquelyn Ramon, but she was stranded on second after Landry forced a popout.

In game two, the Lady Lions scored two runs in the first and third innings before putting the run-rule into play with five in the sixth. Nicholls had a pair of two-out single in the bottom half but were unable to cut into the deficit, ending the game in six innings.

Emily Danehower (5-2) suffered the loss with four earned runs in 4.1 innings, allowing five hits. Alexis LaBure threw 1.2 innings with six hits and five earned.

Nicholls had six hits in the loss, scoring in the third on a Holland sac fly.

Ramon led SLU with three hits, while Rebecca Skains and Ella Manzer had four RBIs each.

Alley McDonald had a strong showing for the visitors, picking up the win after six innings of work.

SENIOR DAY
Following the conclusion of the series, Nicholls will honor its seven-member 2019 Senior Class. Being recognized are four-year players Kasey Frederick, Amanda Gianelloni, Megan Landry, Gretchen Morgan, and Veronica Villafranco; three-year Maegen Ellis, and two-year Kali Clement. The 2019 Senior Class is 62-10 in Thibodaux in its four years.

ON DECK
Nicholls will take part in the Southland Conference Tournament next week, hosted by Northwestern State in Natchitoches. Tournament play begins Tuesday and the championship will be played Friday. The Colonels’ first game will be either Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on this weekend’s results.