Monroe– McNeese softball picked up its 30th win of the season behind a four hit shutout gem by Ashley Vallejo along with solid defense Wednesday night in a 3-0 win over Louisiana-Monroe to improve to 30-18 on the season.  

The 30-win season is the fifth under sixth year head coach James Landreneau. The only time the Cowgirls haven't won 30 or more games under Landreneau was during the COVID shortened 2020 season.

The shutout for Vallejo is her fifth of the season as she improved to 12-7 on the year. She ended the game by retiring 14 of the last 17 batters she faced. 

The win over ULM was the second of the season over the Warhawks. McNeese defeated ULM 7-5 in Lake Charles on March 29.  

Tonight, McNeese allowed ULM to get runners in scoring position twice. The loss drops ULM to 25-21 overall.  

"I am proud of our team's focus. We did a good job of getting people on base and found a way to scratch a few runs," said head coach James Landreneau. "Vallejo was outstanding tonight, commanding both sides of the plate and efficiently changed speeds." 

McNeese got on the board in the second inning on a two-out RBI single by Caleigh Cross that scored Kaylee Lopez for a 1-0 lead.  

Tiffany Steczo's put the Cowgirls up 2-0 with her second home run this week and career with solo home run in the fourth inning.  

Leadoff hitter Alayis Seneca opened the sixth inning with a double to left center and later scored on a ULM error for a 3-0 lead.  

Seneca led McNeese at the plate, going 4 for 4 with one double and scored one run. 

Key Moments: 

Second Inning 

• A two out RBI single by Caleigh Cross scored Kaylee Lopez (McN 1, ULM 0) 

Fourth Inning 

• Stezco's homered to left field (McN 2, ULM 0) 

Sixth Inning 

• Seneca scored on a Warhawk error (McN 3, ULM 0) 

Game Notes:  

• Vallejo was masterful in the circle, picking up her 5th shutout of the season and retiring 14 of the last 17 batters faced. She gave up four hits along with four strikeouts in the complete game win  

• Seneca led the Cowgirls at the plate, going 4 for 4 with a double and scored one run 

• Talley and Steczo had one RBI each  

• McNeese outhit UL-Monroe 9-4 

Next Game: 

The Cowgirls will host Incarnate Word this weekend in its final Southland Conference home series beginning with a single game Friday night at 6 p.m. and concluding with a 1 p.m. doubleheader Saturday at Joe Miller Field at Cowgirl Diamond. Seniors Adriana Ramirez, Padyn Williams, Tiffany Steczo, Gracie Devall, and Toni Perrin will be honored following Saturday's doubleheader. Senior day brought to you by Coca-Cola. All three games will broadcast on ESPN+.