Nicholls softball team held to one hit in 2-0 loss to close out series with McNeese

The Nicholls softball team was never able to figure out McNeese starter Shaelyn Sanders.

In two starts in a three-game Southland Conference series at Swanner Field in Thibodaux, Sanders combined to allow one run on two hits and two walks, while striking out 19 batters. In a relief stint in the second game of the series, she allowed only an inherited runner to score from third in 1 2/3 innings.

“To give up one hit today, one hit in yesterday’s game. I thought she attacked the zone really well all weekend. She showed great composure. It’s great to have that kind of leadership,” McNeese coach James Landreneau said.

Sanders showed her dominance in the final game of the series on Saturday afternoon. She allowed only an infield hit, one walk, and hit one batter, while striking out nine in seven innings. Only on one occasion did a Nicholls baserunner reach as far as second base in the game.

“We didn’t adjust,” Nicholls coach Justin Lewis said. “McNeese made adjustments today and we didn’t. They were much more difficult to pitch to. We couldn’t keep doing the same things we did pitching-wise to them because they were making adjustments, and we didn’t.

“I told the girls until you guys figure out how to adjust, do something different, and we just refused to do that, so you get one hit.”

The loss dropped Nicholls to 4-2 in the Southland and 16-14 overall. The Lady Colonels took one of three games against McNeese in the series.

“This is my third year here and it’s the first time we’ve beaten them, so I guess there’s a silver lining there, but offensively, it’s been a little disappointing,” Lewis said.

The series served as the conference opener for McNeese, which moved to 2-1 in the league and 16-13 overall.

“Anytime you can go on the road and win a series, it’s good. Our conference is gonna be extremely competitive this year. You have good teams throughout. We knew Nicholls was going to be really good coming in. They have some good arms and good offense. We were able to keep them at bay this week,” Landreneau said.

Except for a five-run inning in the opening game, the remainder of the series looked like games would be decided by a run or two.

“Both teams have excellent pitching, so you’re gonna have to figure out how to scratch some runs across. But if you can’t put some more competitive at-bats together, we just kind of made it easy for them,” said Lewis.

Sanders (8-6) got all the run support she would need in a two-run fourth inning.

Corine Poncho opened the inning with a single to center off of Nicholls starter Audrey McNeill. Marina Torres followed with a triple to right field. Poncho beat the throw to the plate of Lady Colonels right fielder Abby Andersen, allowing the first run to score.

Bella Perez reached on a fielder’s choice when the Lady Colonels tried to get Torres out after she strayed off third base. A fielding error by Nicholls third baseman Erin Krause allowed Torres to score.

The only baserunners Sanders allowed in the game came on a hit batter in the first inning, an infield hit in the second inning and a base on balls in the sixth.

With two outs in the second inning, Krause legged out an infield single, beating a throw to first base by McNeese shortstop Reese Reyna. Krause stole second base. Sanders struck Brynne Songy to end the only inning in which a Nicholls player reached into scoring position.

McNeill pitched out of a jam in the third inning.

After giving up back-to-back singles by Brilee Ford and Dalaney Dunham to open the inning, both runners advanced on a ground out to first base by Samantha Mundine. McNeill then got Chloe Gomez to pop out to second base and struck out Alexis Dibbley to avoid damage.

McNeill (7-9) took the loss, allowing one earned run on five hits, while striking out three in four innings. Molly Yoo worked the final three innings, allowing one walk, while striking out two.