Taking the fifth
Published 3:59 pm Sunday, February 1, 2026
Cowgirls looking for another SLC title
Over the last four seasons, the McNeese softball team has become one of the better low-major programs in the country.
They dominated the Southland Conference, becoming the first program to capture four straight regular-season championships. Their numbers over the last four years are dominant.
McNeese has won at least 40 games each spring, posting a 168-77 record while playing a robust schedule. That’s a 68.6 winning percentage.
The Cowgirls are 91-12 (88.3%) in the Southland and 98-28 (77.8) at home.
Yet they have lost in the Southland postseason tournament in each of the last two seasons, falling short of earning an NCAA Tournament berth. Last year’s loss was especially tough, as a confusing overturned call on replay changed the outcome.
“It was a tough loss, but we don’t want to dwell on it; we want to think about a solution,” said Landreneau. “I learned a long time ago from Tony Robichaux to make your mess your message.”
Landreneau is in his 14th season at the helm of the Cowgirls, having posted a 335-179 record overall and 163-41 in the conference. He has been named the league’s Coach of the Year four times.
He returns 17 players from last year’s 41-20 squad, including Pitcher of the Year Maddie Taylor, Freshman of the Year Kassidy Chance, and NFC All-Region third baseman Jada Munoz, who had a breakout campaign in 2025.
Munoz led the Southland in RBIs (56) and doubles (19) while finishing second in home runs with 17. Chance stole 19 bases to lead the Cowgirls while hitting .375.
Taylor was 19-7 last season with a 3.39 earned run average. She was 11-1 in the conference and is expected to add her offense to the club.
Outfielder Najah Fontenot returns for her second season at McNeese after transferring from Arkansas. She led the Cowgirls in average (.389) and hits (72) while earning second team all-SLC and Louisiana honors.
“Najah is playing at a high level,” said Landreneau. “She has really settled in. I think you will see an even better Najah this year.”
The Cowgirls will also add Corine Poncho back to the roster. She sat out the 2025 season after being a first-team All-SCL player in 2024 when she led the Cowgirls in home runs, total bases, RBI, runs scored, walks, slugging percent, on-base percent, and fielding percent.
As a sophomore in 2024, Poncho hit 15 home runs to lead the league while hitting .313 overall. She also stole 16 bases.
“I love what she has brought back,” said Landreneau. “She has worked hard, has a great attitude, and is enjoying playing.”
The Cowgirls are also getting Alexis Dibbley back. The 2024 SLC and Louisiana Freshman of the Year played in just 24 games last season due to injury, and brings nine career homers with her back to the lineup. She is a pitcher and outfielder.
“We have nine hitters all who can hit,” said Landreneau. “We have more power this year, and that should help take pressure off everybody.”
Nine newcomers will enter their first season as Cowgirls, including graduate transfer Maddie Weeks (Southern Miss) and Rylee Cloud (Arkansas).
“Those transfers should have a big impact on us,” said Landrenau.
The Cowgirls will have eight pitchers available for a more traditional baseball rotation. But Landreneau warns, this is a new team.
“It is about this year’s team and the process it will take,” said Landreneau. “This team is excited to work. There is a desire to be great.”
McNeese opens Thursday against second-ranked Texas Tech at home.
