S. Alabama blanks Cowgirls, ends four-game win streak

Published 8:00 am Wednesday, February 22, 2023

McNeese State’s winning streak ended at four games after the Cowgirls were shut out 3-0 by South Alabama Tuesday at Cowgirl Diamond.

The Jaguars (6-4) won their fifth consecutive game behind the pitching of Olivia Lackie (1- 2), who threw a complete game, allowing five hits and two walks while striking out five.

USA scored all of its runs in the top of the first on RBI hits by Victoria Ortiz, Gabby Stagner and Sarah Willems. All came with two outs.

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“They did a lot of damage there, stringing together hits,” McNeese head coach James Landreneau said. “We couldn’t get off the field.”

McNeese (8-3), which was shut out for the second time, didn’t get a runner to third and had two runners on once, in the sixth inning. Lackie escaped with a strikeout and line drive to end the inning.

“Lackie pitched exceptionally today,” Landreneau said. “She was going up in the zone, challenging us and drawing weak contact. We couldn’t barrel up enough balls or get timely hits. We had too many fly balls. We have to come out with more intensity and make adjustments throughout the game.”

Ashley Vallejo (1-3) pitched the first two innings for McNeese. Lindsay Davis relieved her and pitched into the seventh inning. Ryann Schexnayder, like Davis a freshman, recorded the final out, leaving Jaguars stranded on second and third.

“They have the ability to come into situations and pound the strike zone,” Landreneau said of the two freshmen. “Both of them go right at hitters.

“Davis didn’t have a walk and Schexnayder came in with runners in scoring position and induced some weak contact. Both showed some poise and have a bright future.”

Reese Reyna had two hits for McNeese.

Ortiz, Stagner, Willems and Mackenzie Brasher had two hits each for USA.

McNeese will host the Cowgirl Classic this weekend, playing two games each against Ole Miss and Stephen F. Austin.