Cowgirls open SLC schedule

Jim Gazzolo, Special to the American Press

James Landreneau is about to find out if his grand plan worked.

After playing a pre-conference schedule loaded with ranked opponents, Landreneau’s team looks to be finding its stride heading into Southland Conference play tonight.

The Cowgirls (8-12) begin league play against Central Arkansas (12-8) at Joe Miller Field riding a five-game winning streak.

First pitch set for 6:30 p.m.

“I like where we are at and how we are playing,” Landreneau said. “I think we are in a good place right now.”

The Cowgirls took four straight last weekend at home and beat Houston 4-3 Wednesday night, seemingly learning from their tough start.

“We want to play good teams, to make a name for our program,” Landreneau said. “We also think it makes us a better team later in the year. We have learned from those games.”

The Cowgirls are undefeated against unranked opponents his year but are 1-12 against top 25 foes.

“We have played well and been in a lot of close games,” Landreneau said. “In those games we have learned you can’t make any mistakes. Good teams take advantage of any little mistake and jump on them.”

Kaylee Lopez and Cori McCrary lead the offense at .344 and .328, respectively. McCrary, who was 3-for-3 against Houston, has also provided the power with five homers and 13 RBIs, both team highs.

The senior from Lafayette entered the season with six career home runs but is off to a fast start. She has seven hits in nine at-bats in the last three games.

Pitcher Jenna Edwards is 2-1 with a 2.39 ERA and four saves for the Cowgirls while Saleen Flores has a 4-3 mark despite an ERA of 6.75.

UCA comes into the three-game series 0-4 against ranked opponents. The teams will play a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday.

“We are excited to start league play,” Landreneau said.

SportsPlus

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column:Amendment 2 has many pieces

Business

Rooted in mindfulness: How one local metaphysical shop is nurturing holistic healing in SW La.

Local News

Below-normal temperatures real possibility early next week

life

Legacy Prep, a K4-6th grade school, opens in Sulphur

life

Getting outside in 2025 — and having fun doing it

Crime

1/14: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Social security, infrastructure investment top Cassidy’s list of 2024 accomplishments

Crime

Federal prosecutors won’t seek charges in deadly arrest of Black motorist Ronald Greene

Crime

Victim in drive-by shooting drives self to police station

Local News

Louisiana becomes first state to secure federal broadband expansion approval

McNeese Sports

Cowboys ride fast start to win

Business

Fat Boyz Kitchen Table, Luna Bar and Grill among the ‘best’

Local News

Law enforcement working for safe Mardi Gras in SW La.

Crime

1/13: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Crime

UPDATE: Suspect took deputy’s taser, used it against him

Crime

Two charged with assault in connection to weekend shooting

Crime

UPDATE: Arrest made in deputy-involved shooting

Local News

Louisiana makes progress on teacher shortages but truancy issues remain

Local News

State Supreme Court upholds state authority to clear homeless encampments

life

On Campus: SW La. students recognized for achievements

McNeese Sports

Cowboys win slugfest, alone in first

McNeese Sports

Cowgirls fall at home

Local News

Environmental stewards: SW La. Master Naturalists promote appreciation for natural world

Crime

BREAKING: Jeff Davis Sheriff’s deputy hospitalized after shooting