LAKE CHARLES—McNeese softball scored early and often and senior hurler Rachel Smith threw a gem in a 10-0, five inning Southland Conference win over Sam Houston State here Friday night in the opening game of a three-game series. The series will conclude with a noon doubleheader Saturday.
 
McNeese (17-10, 4-0 SLC) has now won 12 of its last 13 games and it's the second straight time the Cowgirls begin a SLC series with a run-rule victory. Last Friday, McNeese defeated Central Arkansas 8-0 in six innings in the series opener.
 
The Cowgirls picked up 11 hits in the game off two Sam Houston State (12-12, 3-1 SLC) pitchers. Erika Piancastelli was perfect at the plate, going 3 for 3 with three RBI and scored a run. Baylee Corbello also picked up three RBI while going 2 for 2 including a double. Freshman Alexandria Saldivar picked up two hits including a two run home run and led the Cowgirls with four RBI. Hailey Drew and Justyce McClain also had two hits apiece.
 
McNeese began the game by scoring three runs in the first inning on three hits and scored on a RBI single by Piancastelli and a two RBI single by Saldivar.
 
After a scoreless second inning, McNeese blew open the game with five runs in the third inning to take a 7-0 lead. Another single by Piancastelli scored the first run of the inning before Corbello's double off the left center wall added two more runs. Saldivar followed Corbello's double with her second home run of the season, a two RBI homer that gave the Cowgirls the 7-0 lead.
 
McNeese tacked on its final two runs of the game in the fourth inning on Piancastelli's third RBI of the game before Corbello singled up the middle for her third RBI of the game as well.
 
Smith (6-4) retired the first seven batter she faced before giving up her first hit of the game when Samantha Belongia beat out Piancastelli's throw. Smith continued her dominance in the circle and ended the game with six strikeouts and allowed one more hit in the fourth and gave up here only walk of the game in the fifth inning before picking up her second straight shutout in as many outings.
 
Tayler Atkinson fell to 5-8 on the season with the loss. Atkinson gave up eight runs on seven hits in 2 1/3 innings before being replace by Casey Kauder. Kauder gave up two runs on four hits in 1 2/3 innings of relief.
 
Tomorrow's doubleheader can be heard live on the McNeese Radio Network (1310 KEZM) and kezmonline.com. Both games will also be streamed live and live stats will also be provided. All links can be found on mcneesesports.com.