THIBODAUX, La. - After throwing all eight innings in Thursday's victory, Nicholls State University pitcher
Audrey McNeill took the circle again in the series finale against Lamar and tossed a shutout in a 1-0 win Friday afternoon at Swanner Field at GeoSurfaces Park.
With the win, Nicholls (22-16, 9-6 SLC) has claimed four of its five Southland series. Lamar fell to 11-28 overall and 4-8 in the Southland.
McNeill limited Lamar to four hits and struck out three batters. One of the hits came in the first inning but the Colonels turned a double play to end the frame.
Aaliyah Ruiz was just as solid for the Cardinals, scattering just two singles in the first three innings. But in the fourth, Nicholls scored the game's only run on a
Melise Gossen sacrifice fly. With one out,
Alexa Poche' and
Molly VandenBout had back-to-back singles and moved into scoring position after a wild pitch. Gossen's fly ball was deep enough to center for Poche' to beat the throw home for the 1-0 advantage.
McNeill allowed a two-out single in the fifth but the runner was called out after leaving the base early. She then retired the final six batters to improve to 9-6 on the year.
MaKynli Miller led the Colonel offense with a 2-for-2 day at the plate.
Abby Andersen also singled in the win.
ON DECK
Nicholls will head to Mobile for a Tuesday (April 11) matchup against South Alabama. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.
