The McNeese Cowgirls, coming off a walk off win on Thursday Night in Game 1 of the Southland Conference Championship series, had the chance to close it out in two games on Friday night. However, a critical error in the outfield and a dominant performance in the circle gave Southeastern a fighting chance, forcing a game 3.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The second game of a three game championship series was quite the pitcher’s duel early on as neither team was able to get anything going until the third inning. After a pair of singles for the Cowgirls, they had the opportunity to get runs in, but a key strikeout from Southeastern pitcher Lainee Bailey got the Lions out of trouble and kept the game scoreless.
Into the fourth inning, Southeastern had the opportunity to make some noise with two quick base runners before eventually loading the bases with two outs in the inning. However, Kadence Williams got out of the jam without giving up a run as the Cowgirls looked to get back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2023.
The Cowgirls once again got some chances in the fifth as Delaney Dunham walked and Kassidy Chance reached on a fielders choice before stealing second. Next, Nyjah Fontenot drew a walk and then Jada Munoz reached on a fielders choice to put runners at first and second with two outs before a Samantha Mundine groundout to end the chance.
Southeastern got on the board in the bottom of the fifth as Shelby Morris singled and stole second with two outs before Chloe Magee singled to left field and was able to score on an error to scratch across a second run and give the Lions a 2-0 lead after five innings.
McNeese looked to answered as Reese Reyna got a double in the frame, but that would be all as the Lions once again got out of trouble as Bailey continued her strong performance in the circle.
Bailey came out for the seventh and while Dunham made her way to third, the Lions kept the run off the board and forced a winner take all Game 3.
BIG NUMBER: 9
McNeese may have been held scoreless, but it wasn’t for lack of chances. The Cowgirls left nine runners on base during Game 2 on Friday night.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Lainee Bailey
The Southeastern pitcher kept McNeese scoreless in a must-win game. The junior from Walker went the distance, allowing just 4 hits and striking out 3 in the victory.
UP NEXT: McNeese and Southeatern will meet in a winner take all Game 3 on Saturday evening at 6pm. The winner will win the Southland and advance to the NCAA Tournament.