LAKE CHARLES—The Joanna Hardin era begins Friday when the McNeese softball team opens its season at the Sand Dollar Classic in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
 
Hardin is in her first season as head coach of the Cowgirls and third with the program, serving as assistant coach the last two years.
 
The Cowgirls will begin what is considered their toughest schedule in recent years by facing Florida Gulf Coast at noon Friday.  The Cowgirls will also face Florida International at 3 p.m. later in the afternoon.
 
"We love the challenge," said Hardin. "We are up for any challenge whether it's a Top 25 team or whomever. Any team can be beaten on any day and we love the challenge of playing the big schools and the ranked teams. Honestly, our focus is on Florida Gulf Coast right now then we will shift our focus on our next opponent We will continue this routine throughout the season. It's nice to play a challenging schedule because it makes us better."
 
Saturday's schedule has the Cowgirls taking on Southern Miss at noon before ending the day with a 6 p.m. game against preseason no. 23 South Alabama, who is also serving as the tournaments host.
 
McNeese will conclude tournament play by facing preseason no. 3 Alabama at 1 p.m. Sunday. The Cowgirls will look to pick up its second straight win over Alabama after shocking the Tide, who were ranked ninth at the time with a 5-3 win at the Easton Alabama Bama Bash last year. 
 
"We are going to take things one day at a time," Hardin said. "The expectation is to get better every day whether we are practicing, taking BP or playing a game. We are ready to compete but we are staying focused on the task at hand."
 
Hardin will have 13 returnees including six starters on the 2015 team. Of those starters, the Cowgirls return their entire pitching staff that includes the Southland's Pitcher of the Year in Jamie Allred.  Allred posted a 27-8 record with a 1.57 ERA and struck out 203 batters as a sophomore last year. 
 
"Jamie is a competitor and wants the ball everyday and wants to be in the circle everyday. She has a competitive level that I have never seen before. She wants to be the best she can be and she wants to maximize her capabilities which I think is necessary in a pitcher and is unique in a 20 year old kid."
 
Also returning to the circle is sophomore Rachel Smith who was second in the SLC with a 1.70 ERA. Smith ended the season with an 8-5 record and 77 strikeouts.
 
Emily Vincent who also saw time in the circle will once again be utilized there as well as in the outfield. Vincent led the team and ranked 10^th in the nation with five saves.  She posted a 4-3 record with 33 strikeouts in 46 innings.  At the plate, Vincent tied for a team high 11 doubles and was second on the team with 34 RBI and 22 walks while hitting .294.
 
The Cowgirls' top returning hitter is senior outfielder Lauren Langner.  For the past three years Langner was the Cowgirls' starting left fielder but will be moved to centerfield this season. 
 
Last season, Langner led the team with 67 hits, four triples and 12 sacrifice bunts while tying for a team high with 11 doubles.  She was second on the team with a .372 batting average, .421 on base percent, 10 stolen bases and 41 runs scored. She also knocked in 41 runs with a .478 slugging percent and ranked ninth in the nation in toughest to strike out.
 
"Langner is very consistent and is one of the most athletic kids I have ever coached. She can hit and probably could hit with a tree branch if we need her too. She is so athletic and as a senior she has grown and is consistent both offensively and defensively, Hardin said."
 
The Cowgirls have 10 newcomers, nine of which are freshman who will be making their collegiate debut this season.
 
The Cowgirls will need to replace starting catcher Ashley Modzelewski who won't return for her senior season. The Cowgirls will look to junior college transfer and former Barbe High standout Brooke David and freshman Erika Piancastelli to fill that void.
 
"Losing a player like Ashley is tough. She had some personal and academic issues that came up. We will definitely miss her but we have some great kids that will step up and take advantage of their opportunities. It's been pretty nice to see other athletes on the team step up and fill that leadership role."  
 
McNeese will take part in three other tournaments including its own Cowgirl Classic Feb. 27-28. The Cowgirls' home opener will be a doubleheader against Missouri State on Feb. 22 as part of the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns Invitational.

Sand Dollar Classic Schedule
Friday, Feb. 6
Noon- Florida Gulf Coast
3 p.m.- Florida International

Saturday, Feb. 7
Noon- Southern Miss
6 p.m.- South Alabama

Sunday, Feb. 8
1 p.m.- Alabama