THIBODAUX--  What has been present for most of the season for McNeese softball, was non-existent Friday evening in the Cowgirls' Southland Conference series 2-0 opening game loss to Nicholls.

McNeese (25-13, 11-2 SLC) has been relying on pitching and hitting for the most part but struggled in those areas Friday.

Cowgirl starter Emily Vincent struggled to find the strike zone the entire game, ending the game with a career high seven walks. The free passes really hurt the Cowgirls in the opening frame when Nicholls scored both of its runs.

Vincent walked the leadoff batter before giving up a bunt single to Brooke Morris. Alexis Huss' also walked to load the bases. After Vincent struck out Kristen Aheam, she issued another walk that allowed the first Nicholls run. A two out error by the Cowgirls allowed the second run to score.  

Vincent fell to 10-3 on the season and remained in the game to pick up her ninth complete game of the season. She gave up three hits and struck out eight.

McNeese was held to three hits, all singles from Marisa Tauton, Lauren Langner and Dakota Matiko.  The Cowgirls stranded six base runners including a runner on third in the fourth and fifth innings. The Cowgirls also left two runners stranded in the seventh with two outs but couldn't get the timely hit that could have extended the game.

Nicholls improves to 21-13 overall and 7-6 in conference play with the win. Hannah Haydel picked up her 12^th win of the season to improve to 12-6 overall. Haydel picked up her third shutout of the season, striking out four and walking three.

The teams will conclude the series with a doubleheader Saturday beginning at noon.