The McNeese State University Cowgirls (29-27, 18-12) won all three games against the Lady Lions (22-30, 11-19) this past weekend in their final series of the season at North Oaks Park. It was the last time four Southeastern seniors would take the field together with the Lady Lion softball team. These seniors include catcher Heather Grivas, pitcher and utility player Bailey Zievert, first baseman Tamra Ladnier and short stop Katie Duhe.

With such a great season behind them, losing this final series ended the season on somewhat of a low note.

“It’s not how we like to send our seniors off,” said Head Coach Pete Langlois.

“They were the most respectful four seniors we’ve had in a long time,” said Langlois, on the four senior players. “If the rest of the players modeled themselves after those four, we’re going to be in great shape going into next season because they’re academically sound, team players and unselfish.”

Two Lady Lions drove in one run a piece in the series opener against the Cowgirls. In the fifth inning, outfielder Kelsey Nichols singled towards right field that allowed Trish Bliss to score. The bottom of the sixth saw an RBI double by Bliss that gave Southeastern its final run. McNeese took game one, 5-2.

In game two, Southeastern got two runs in the bottom of the second inning. A single to left field by Michelle Duhe scored the team’s initial run. Next, a single towards center from Megan McCollum helped drive in their second run. With bases loaded in the bottom of the third inning, McNeese walked Lauren Coniglio to force in Southeastern’s third and final run of the game. McNeese would score nine to win game two, 9-3.

Nichols helped the Lady Lions score their only two runs in the series closer on Sunday. In the bottom of the first, Nichol’s single plated fellow sophomore Michelle Duhe to put Southeastern in the lead, 1-0. With bases loaded in the fifth, a long fly ball by Nichols scored Michelle Duhe. McNeese closed the game with an 11-2 victory over the Lady Lions.

Despite their loss in this closing series, the Lady Lions have doubled their overall win total and nearly quadrupled their Southland Conference win total from the previous season.

Coach Langlois wanted to make certain that support from the crowd didn’t go unnoticed.

“We couldn’t have done it without the crowd. They were awesome the whole season.”