Nicholls limited to two hits in 8-0 loss at No. 15 LSU in softball season opener

The Nicholls softball team managed only two hits in an 8-0 loss to No. 15 LSU in the season opener Thursday night in Baton Rouge.

The game ended after five innings due to the run-rule. Of the eight runs scored by LSU, four were unearned.

A solo home run by Raeleen Gutierrez off of Nicholls starter Audrey McNeill gave LSU a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning.

LSU (1-0) came up with three runs in the third inning on a two-run triple by McKenzie Redouey and a run-scoring single by Karli Petty.

A dropped ball in foul territory caused three of the runs to be unearned.

McNeill (0-1) pitched three innings, allowing four hits, and walking four while striking out one batter.

Nicholls (0-1) threatened in the top of the fourth inning. The Lady Colonels came up with both of their hits in the inning on singles by Gabby Higbee and Abby Andersen as Nicholls loaded the bases with two outs.

LSU’s Sydney Berzon came up with a strikeout to strand the runners.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, LSU’s Taylor Pleasants had a three-run triple off of Nicholls’ Molly Yoo. The Tigers added another run in the inning on a throwing error.

That made the score 8-0 and the game was called after Nicholls was unable to score in the top of the fifth inning.

Three of the four runs by Yoo were earned, yielding four hits and one walk in her one inning of work.

Berzon (1-0) struck out eight in five innings.

Nicholls is back in action today in the Mardi Gras Mambo in Youngsville, Louisiana.

The Lady Colonels face Green Bay at 2 p.m. and North Dakota at 4 p.m.

The tournament continues through Sunday.