LAKE CHARLES--  McNeese softball will begin it quest to repeat as Southland Conference champions this weekend when the Cowgirls host Central Arkansas in a three game series. The series will begin with a single game at 6 p.m. Friday and will conclude with a doubleheader Saturday at noon.
 
The games can be heard on the McNeese Radio Network (1310 KEZM) and kezmonline.com. Live streaming and live stats will also be available. All links can be found on mcneesesports.com.
 
McNeese (13-10) will enter the weekend having won eight of its last night games and are coming off a 8-0, five inning win over Houston Baptist on Tuesday in a non-conference game.
 
Megan Holmes comes into the weekend, leading the Cowgirls with a .429 batting average while Morgan Catron is second with a .352 average. Catron leads the team with 25 hits and 25 RBI and is tied for a team high with five home runs. Tori Yanitor also has five home runs on the season along with 22 hits and 21 RBI.  Erika Piancastelli is batting .318 with 21 hits, three home runs, 13 RBI and leads the team with 20 runs scored and 24 walks.
 
Freshman Alexsandra Flores and senior Rachel Smith both have four wins on the season. Flores, this week's Southland Conference pitcher of the week is 4-2 on the season with a 2.81 ERA, 21 strikeouts in 32.1 innings. Smith is 4-4 on the year with a 3.10 ERA, 32 strikeouts in 61.0 innings. Jolie Trahan is 3-2 on the season and has the only two shutouts this season including the win against HBU on Tuesday.
 
Central Arkansas (7-14) is coming off a 9-3 home win over Mississippi Valley State Wednesday night.
 
The Bears have five players with 10 or more hits and are led by Kaylyn Shepherd and Kate Myers who have 15 apiece. Shepherd leads UCA with a .313 batting average and Myers is tied with Cylla Hill with 10 RBI. Krissy Fontillas has a team high three home runs.
 
In the circle, Kayla Gomness leads the pitching staff with a 4-6 record with a 2.59 ERA, 37 strikeouts in 67.2 innings.