BEAUMONT, Texas—McNeese softball picked up its 11^th run rule win of the season here Saturday and more importantly clinched a key Southland Conference series with an 8-0 rubber game victory over Lamar to take the series 2-1.
 
Cowgirl starter Jamie Allred (14-3) threw her fourth shutout of the season to record her 65^th career win, two shy of tying the record of 67 held by Megan Bond. Allred allowed only four hits, one walk, and struck out three. The win is Allred's second of the series as she was the winner in the 5-1 win in the second game of Friday's doubleheader.
 
McNeese (35-12, 20-4 SLC) pounded out nine hits and was led at the plate by designated player Morgan Catron who went 3 for 3 with two doubles, three RBI and scored two runs. Emily Vincent also had a good day at the plate going 2 for 3 with two RBI and scored a run.
 
For the third straight game, McNeese took the early lead by scoring three runs in the first two innings for a 6-0 lead.
 
McNeese got three runs on three hits in the top of the first including a two RBI double by Catron. A single by Vincent that hit the left field foul line scored Catron for a 3-0 lead. The three runs by the Cowgirls chased Lamar starter Amie Cisneros from the circle who was replace by Laura Napoli. Cisneros gave up three runs and lasted only two-thirds of an inning.
 
McNeese extended its lead to 6-0 with three runs in the second inning on three more hits and a Lamar error. Justyce McClain and Marisa Taunton both beat out throws from shortstop Stephanie Meeuwsen for back to back infield hits to put runners on first and second. Both runners advanced a base on a pass ball then scored on the second Lamar error of the game for a 5-0 lead. Hailey Drew then reached base on the Lamar error then scored on Catron's second double of the game to give the Cowgirls a 6-0 lead.
 
The Cowgirls add two more runs in the fifth to take extend its lead to 8-0 lead. Vincent knocks in her second run of the game with a RBI single to right field for a 7-0. Catron scored on the play after picking up her third hit of the game. Vincent stole home for the 8-0 lead after Lamar attempted to throw out Goree in a run down between first and second, the run down failed and Goree reached second safely and Vincent slid in home safely.
 
Lamar (31-18, 17-7 SLC) was led by Meeuwsen's two hits and Cisneros fell to 3-3 on the year with the loss.
 
McNeese will host the University of Houston at 6 p.m. Tuesday in a makeup game that was scheduled early in the season. McNeese will close out the regular season at home next weekend with a three game SLC series against Central Arkansas.
 
McNeese will host the Southland Conference Tournament May 11-13 at Cowgirl Diamond. Tournament tickets are currently on sale and can be purchase in person at the Jack Doland Fieldhouse (M-F, 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.) or online at mcneesetickets.com.
 
Tournament ticket prices are $21 for an adult all-tournament pass, $11 for youth (ages 5-17) all-tournament pass. Single day tickets are $11 for adults and $6 for youth. Children under 5 will be admitted free. Southland Conference students will also be admitted free with a university ID.