Cowgirls Earn Sweep at Twisted Vines Bayou Bash

McNeese softball team wins two games on Day 3 of tournament

Feb. 7, 2026 at 10:55pm

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The McNeese Cowgirls softball team swept two games on Saturday at the Twisted Vines Bayou Bash tournament, defeating Tulsa 13-5 and Louisiana-Monroe 9-1. The Cowgirls rallied late in the first game and scored early in the second to earn the run-rule victories, improving their opening weekend record to 4-1.

Why it matters

The Cowgirls' strong start to the season, including four straight wins to close out the opening weekend, demonstrates the team's resilience and offensive firepower as they look to build on last season's success and compete for a conference championship.

The details

In the first game against Tulsa, the Cowgirls broke open a close game with a 9-run sixth inning, capped by a 3-run homer from Maddie Taylor. Onna Pruitt also drove in three runs in the win. In the second game against ULM, the Cowgirls scored four runs in the third inning and got a solo home run from Nyjah Fontenot to cruise to the 9-1 victory. Kandence Williams earned the win in relief, allowing just one hit in three scoreless innings.

  • The Cowgirls swept two games on Saturday, February 8, 2026 at the Twisted Vines Bayou Bash tournament.
  • McNeese improved their opening weekend record to 4-1, with their only loss coming against No. 1 Texas Tech on Thursday.

The players

James Landreneau

The head coach of the McNeese Cowgirls softball team.

Maddie Taylor

A McNeese player who led the team with four hits and five RBIs over the two games, including a 3-run homer in the first game.

Nyjah Fontenot

A McNeese player who went 3-for-3 in the second game, including hitting a solo home run.

Kandence Williams

A McNeese pitcher who earned the win in relief, allowing just one hit in three scoreless innings.

Onna Pruitt

A McNeese player who doubled in the final two runs in the first game's 9-run sixth inning.

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What they’re saying

“I'm proud of our team to keep fighting and grinding. No negative emotions when things didn't go our way. Good to see our players stay composed.”

— James Landreneau, Head Coach

“There are a lot of things to work on and areas we can get better, but all in all it was a good weekend. I'm excited to get back to work on those things.”

— James Landreneau, Head Coach

What’s next

The Cowgirls will play a doubleheader on Thursday, February 13, 2026 against Ole Miss as part of the Ragin Cajun Invitational in Lafayette.

The takeaway

The Cowgirls' ability to rally late in games and score in bunches demonstrates their offensive firepower and resilience, which will serve them well as they look to build on last season's success and compete for a conference championship.