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The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Lady Lions go into conference swinging

    After splitting a doubleheader against Jackson State (7-17) the Lady Lions Softball team (13-7, 2-1 SLC) nearly swept a three-game series as they opened Southland Conference (SLC) play against Sam Houston State Bearkats (10-14, 1-2).
    In the home doubleheader sweep on Saturday, March 9, the team saw its best start in league play since the 2001 season. Sam Houston State, which was picked to finish at the top of SLC standings in the preseason polls, fell to 9-14 overall and 0-2.
    Strong pitching performances by senior Kenna Terry and junior Rachael Hellyer held Sam Houston in check. Meanwhile, senior outfielder Michelle Duhe led the Lady Lions with a 3-3 performance at the plate, as all nine Southeastern starters collected hits off of SHS junior starter Shelby Lancaster (6-4).The Lady Lions dominated their first game (4-2) and continued to do so in the second (3-1). The Lady Lions pitchingf staff has pieced together a combined 2.91 ERAfor the year.
    The doubleheader against the Bearkats was the second within three days for the team, the first being a non-SLC split against the Jackson State Tigers on March 6.
    Despite the massive amount of playtime crammed into three days, the team has enthusiastically risen to the challenge.
    “Double headers are fun,” said senior outfielder Kelsey Nichols. “In single games, you get three at bats. In doubles, you get six at bats. You get more time, more pitches. Once you get going, you don’t stop.”
    Before heading into conference, head coach Pete Langlois expressed his confidence in the team this season and their eagerness to get thick into conference play.
    “When you get to conference there’s nothing to say,” said Langlois. “These are all scrimmage games up until now. Now we’re getting into the games that count.”
    Langlois was even more enthusiastic after the doubleheader sweep.
    “We’re off to a good start this season, in large part because of our pitching,” said Langlois to lionsports.net. “Kenna and Rachael did a nice job keeping us close, and this season we have enough firepower to produce when we need it. Our players have been willing to accept their roles, and thus far we’ve been successful.”
    However, hopes for a perfect series were swept away by the Bearkats on Sunday, the Lady Lions falling 4-2. The team was unable to come back from a 4-0 deficit early in the game, but the loss did not overshadow the team’s performance the day before in Langlois’ eyes.
    “We fell behind early, but we battled hard and just fell a little short,” said Langlois to lionsports.net. “Overall, we’re pleased to open Southland Conference play by taking two of three from a good team that was picked to win the league. If we continue to play with this type of effort, we’ll have a very successful season.”
    The Lady Lions play Southern University for non-conference play in Baton Rouge on March 13, then jump back into the Conference fray for another three-game series, including a doubleheader against  Houston Baptist in Houston, Texas on March 16.
     

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