Cowgirls step up in competition
Published 8:00 am Friday, February 17, 2023
- McNeese’s Emily Phillips holds an Idaho State runner on second at Cowgirl Diamond in Lake Charles, Louisiana on Friday, February 10, 2023. (Kirk Meche / Special to the American Press)
After an opening weekend that featured four wins in five games, the McNeese State softball team will take a big step up in quality of opposition.
The slate includes games against No. 17 Kentucky and No. 12 Washington.
McNeese will take part in the Tracy Beard Classic at North Texas in Denton. The field also includes Texas-Arlington, South Dakota and the host Mean Green, who are receiving votes in national polls.
The Cowgirls return home to play Washington on Monday afternoon and South Alabama on Tuesday.
Head coach James Landreneau said he’s looking forward to seeing where his team stands.
“You get to see exactly where you stack up against the nation’s elite,” he said. “You know you are going to face a really good Kentucky team. Their offense is explosive and they have a good pitching staff. They have two arms that have been dominant the past couple of years.
“UNT is a team that doesn’t make many mistakes. (Former Cowgirls star) Jamie Allred is the pitching coach there; she has done an exceptional job.
“UTA played really well, going 3-1 with a win over Texas Tech. South Dakota is good. There is not an easy game coming up. We are going to have to play good softball. The biggest thing for us is that we are going to have to execute to give ourselves a chance to win games. Washington is lights out right now. They have been a powerhouse in the country for a long time.”
Landreneau said he is trying to find a balance between getting a look at everyone on the roster and finding the best nine.
“You have to lock down who you feel is going to play most of the innings and make sure they are playing well together and can handle the pressure,” he said.
Landreneau said picking up a few wins this weekend can help down the road.
“If you win some of those games it puts you in the mix, gives you big wins for when the (NCAA selection) committee gets together. The committee can look and see that you aren’t afraid to play anybody. Your wins and losses are against quality opponents. You leverage yourself to be a contender if you win. But, you have to win some of those games.”
