LAKE CHARLES—Senior pitcher Emily Vincent silenced the Nicholls bats here Friday night in a 2-0 shutout in the opening game of the Southland Conference softball series. The series will conclude with a doubleheader Saturday beginning at noon.
 
"I'm so proud of the energy and focus we came out with tonight," said head coach Joanna Hardin. "From the moment the kids stepped out of the locker room to warm up they were focused."
 
Vincent (10-2) picked up her second shutout of the season and allowed only three hits, one walk and struck out four. Vincent began the game by retiring six of the first seven batters faced and closed out the game by retiring 10 of the last 12 batters she faced.
 
"Emily was lights out today. She was extremely efficient and did a great job getting the defense off the field and into the dugout. We feed off her competitiveness," Hardin said.
 
Morgan Catron's two out grounder to second in the bottom of the first inning scored Marisa Taunton from third for the first Cowgirl run of the game. Taunton led the game off with a single to left field, stole second before going to third on a wild pitch.
 
The Cowgirls (27-8, 12-1 SLC) left Vincent stranded on second base in the second inning and then Nicholls turned an odd double play in the fourth inning saving what could have been two more Cowgirl runs. Catron attempted to score on a squeeze bunt by Vincent but was thrown out at home by Nicholls' pitcher Hannah Haydel, who threw to catcher Kayla Prater for the tag on Catron. In the meantime Goree, who was on first after a single to left was rounding the bases on Vincent's fielders choice. Prater attempted to throw Vincent out at second on the steal, that's when Goree attempted to come home but was she was thrown out by shortstop Amanda Gianelloni.
 
After failing to add to the lead in the fifth inning after leaving Taunton stranded on third and Piancastelli on second with two outs, Vincent helped herself by sending a shot to left field that scored Catron for a 2-0 McNeese lead. Catron led the inning off with her fourth double of the season.
 
Taunton led the Cowgirls with a perfect 3 for 3 at the plate for her 13^th straight multiple hit game. Catron and Vincent had two hits apiece.
 
"Marisa had a great night. It's always great to have table setters like her. She runs with such savvy and has so much moxy on the field. I'm extremely proud of how she led the team offensively tonight," said Hardin.
 
Haydel, who entered the game with a conference low 1.35 ERA, gave up eight hits and two earned runs and striking out two. The loss dropped Nicholls' record to 24-13 overall and 9-3 in the SLC.