LAKE CHARLES—McNeese softball took advantage of two Houston errors and came away with a 4-0 shutout in its final non-conference game of the season here Tuesday night.
 
McNeese (36-12) scored three runs on two hits and one Houston error in the third inning to break a scoreless game. Back-to-back walks by Aubree Turbeville and Justyce McClain started the Cowgirl rally. After a pop up to the pitcher by Marisa Taunton for the first out, Erika Piancastelli was intentionally walked to load the bases. The walk is Piancastelli's 56^th of the season. Hailey Drew made the Cougars pay as she singled to short to score Turbeville for a 1-0 lead. McClain also scored on the play off an error for a 2-0 lead. With two outs, Tori Yanitor singled up the middle bringing Piancastelli home for a 3-0 lead.
 
Houston (23-28) left five runners stranded in the game and didn't take advantage of two Cowgirl errors and a wild pitch in the fourth inning as Turbeville caught Maya Thomas trying to steal second for the second out of the inning and Emily Vincent got Rachel Hill to pop up to Cowgirl shortstop Taylor Goree for the third out with Savannah Heebner on third to keep the Cougars off the board.
 
McNeese added an insurance run in the bottom of the fourth when Vincent helped her cause by scoring on a RBI double to left field by McClain. Vincent led the inning off with a double.
 
The Cowgirls picked up five hits with five players collecting one hit apiece. McClain and Vincent's hits were the only extra base hits on the night.
 
Vincent got back on the winning track with the win after dropping her last two outings at #12 LSU and at Lamar last week by throwing a complete game four-hit shutout. The shutout is her fourth of the season as she improved to 13-3 on the year. Vincent also struck out three and didn't allow a walk.
 
McNeese will conclude its regular season by hosting Central Arkansas in a three game series this weekend. The series will begin with a single game at 6 p.m. Friday and will conclude with a 1 p.m. doubleheader Saturday.
 
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.