Jim Gazzolo column: Gotta beat the best to be the best

Published 10:56 am Thursday, February 5, 2026

So much for opening the season with an easy victory.

That’s not what James Landreneau does.

The McNeese State head softball coach doesn’t just jump into the fire, he shoves his team all the way into the flames whenever he can.

Landreneau’s theory is simple: find out what you need to fix, how to fix it, then fix it as quickly as possible.

It’s worked to the tune of a program-record 335 wins over his 13 seasons, including the four consecutive Southland Conference regular-season championships.

So it should come as no surprise that when the Cowgirls open their season at home today, when they host Texas Tech, last year’s national runner-up and ranked as the co-No. 1 team this preseason.

“This is a great way to start our season,” said Landreneau, who enters the year with the security of a five-year contract extension. “This is one of the reasons players come to McNeese, for these types of games.”

It is how Landreneau has continued to elevate the program.

“You want to play the best,” he continued. “That’s how you find out where you stand.”

It is also how McNeese softball has made a name for itself over the past few years.

The Cowgirls have never ducked an opponent. Last year they hosted No. 6 Tennessee, and two years ago No. 1 Oklahoma came to town.

Texas Tech is one of 15 games McNeese will play against teams from Power Four conferences. That has helped develop a following that continues to grow.

“It is good for our fans to see these types of teams in person,” Landreneau said. “It is a great way to grow the sport for us. People want to see good teams.”

The difficult schedule has not hurt the Cowgirls either. They have won 168 games over the last four seasons despite playing anybody and everybody.

More importantly, it has put them in a position to be a destination teams want to come to for early season games, especially those who want to get out of the cold up North. It is not an easy way to make a name for your program, but it has worked out.

And most teams want to come back, thanks in large part to the community that welcomes them with open arms, and pretty good food as well. Every team that comes to Lake Charles for the first time left with a great taste in their mouths and full bellies.

That’s pretty good public relations for not only the school but also the entire area.

“They all tell me they like the culture, our facilities, our fans and our food,” Landreneau said.

Throw in a few Mardi Gras beads and you have the full Southwest Louisiana package before the heat and humidity ever come calling.

Over the years the Cowgirls have won their share of these games. They are 3-3 all-time against Texas Tech, though the teams haven’t met in almost a decade.

Yet while a lot of teams are ducking the Red Raiders this season, the Cowgirls are more than willing to not only play them, but open against them.

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Jim Gazzolo is a freelance writer who covers McNeese State athletics for the American Press. Email him at jimgazzolo@yahoo.com