Game Details: at #11 Texas
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 16, 4 p.m.
Location: Red & Charline Mccombs Field
Live Stats | Live Stream
LAKE CHARLES – Out to its first 5-0 start in school history, McNeese softball will run a gauntlet schedule this week beginning with a visit to 11th ranked Texas on Wednesday.
First pitch is set for 4 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on the Longhorn Network.
Following that, McNeese will compete in the Houston Classic February 18-19, playing No. 1 ranked Oklahoma twice, a Houston squad that's 4-1 on the season, and former Southland foe Texas State, who sits at 2-1.
The Cowgirls are coming off a full sweep at The Evangeline Bank and Trust Invitational I over the weekend. McNeese closed out the tournament shutouts over Tulsa (6-0), North Texas (1-0), and Texas Southern (7-0).
"I was pleased with our effort this weekend. We minimized free passes this weekend which was the name of the game," head coach James Landreneau recounted. "Our pitching staff attacked the strike zone, allowing three runs and eight walks over five games.
"As we look to compete this week, the biggest thing we can do is can you put the weekend behind us. When you go out to Texas your record does not matter you must find a way to get ready to play top-level competition."
The Longhorns (4-1) opened their season last weekend at the Florida Gulf Coast University Kickoff Classic. The only game they dropped was against FGCU on Friday but with redeemed themselves Saturday picking by up a 10-2 win in six innings over the Eagles.
Wednesday will mark the third meeting between McNeese and Texas with the Longhorns leading the series 2-0.
"We had a great matchup with Texas at home last year and we are looking forward to the opportunity to play them again."
The Cowgirls led the Longhorns 2-1 through six innings before Texas tacked on four runs in the top of the seventh which put the Longhorns in front 5-2. The Cowgirls were unable to overcome the three-run deficit.
Vallejo and Willingham Named Southland Conference Players of the Week
FRISCO, Texas- McNeese softball swept the first Southland Conference Player of the Week honors of the season with shortstop Josie Willingham named Hitter of the Week and Ashley Vallejo tabbed Pitcher of the Week, the league announced Tuesday.
Both players played key roles in the Cowgirls' 5-0 domination of The Evangeline Bank and Trust Invitational I with wins over Tulsa, UAB, North Texas, and Texas Southern.
Willingham, a sophomore transfer from Medon, Tenn., produced a .462 batting average going 6 for 13 at the plate with one double, three RBI, three runs, and four stolen bases along with a .538 slugging percent.
In the circle, Vallejo, a sophomore from New Waverly, Texas went 2-0 last week with two shutouts. She recorded 13 strikeouts while giving up only five hits and two walks in 16.0 innings.
