McNeese to Host Lamar for Southland Title Series Starting Thursday
Lake Charles, Louisiana - With the way most of the regular season had played out, I'm not sure folks would've had their hotels booked for Lake Charles for the Southland Conference Tournament Championships, but that's how the ball rolls sometimes.
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McNeese advanced to the finals after a tight 7-6 win over Nicholls, while Lamar shocked Southeastern in extra innings to earn its spot.
McNeese (38-19) has been one of the hottest teams in the Southland Conference, winning 15 of their last 17 games. After climbing back from the middle of the standings, they now have home-field advantage for the championship.
The Cowgirls have been led offensively by shortstop Kassidy Chance, who has reached base in eight straight plate appearances and is hitting .440 for the season.
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The Cardinals (33-22) are making a surprise run of their own. The Cardinals knocked off top-seeded Southeastern twice to reach the championship series for the first time in 10 years.
Senior pitcher Reagan Smith (15-5) has been tough lately for the Cardinals. Smith went the distance in every game in the Southeastern bracket, throwing three complete games, while allowing just two runs in 16 innings.
Freshman Isabella Flores is another reason for the success lately of the Cardinals. Flores was named Southland Conference Freshman of the Year after ranking near the top of the league in hits, runs, RBI, and doubles. She also has 8 home runs on the year and delivered a walk-off single to beat Southeastern in the Hammond bracket, sending Lamar to the championship series.
McNeese will host Lamar in the Southland Conference Championship Series, starting Thursday at 6 p.m. at Joe Miller Field at Cowgirl Diamond. The series is a best-of-three to decide who moves on. All three games can be seen on ESPN+.
For fans wanting to head out to Joe Miller Field, you can purchase tickets by CLICKING HERE.