McNeese Sweeps Lamar in Southland Conference Opener

Cowgirls win 8-0 in 5 innings to start conference play 3-0

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The McNeese State Cowgirls softball team defeated the Lamar Lady Cardinals 8-0 in 5 innings on Saturday to complete a series sweep and open Southland Conference play with a 3-0 record. The Cowgirls scored 3 runs in the 1st inning and added 5 more in the 5th, including a 3-run, pinch-hit triple by Malayna Daigle to end the game early. Alexis Dibbley and Rylee Cloud each had 2 hits for McNeese, which improved to 19-7 overall and 4-0 at home.

Why it matters

This win extends McNeese's dominance in the Southland Conference, as they chase an unprecedented 5th straight regular season championship. The Cowgirls have now won 7 of their last 8 games and are off to a hot start in conference play.

The details

McNeese scored 3 runs in the 1st inning on 2 hits, which was more than enough for freshman pitcher Brookelyn Taylor. Taylor worked out of jams in the 1st and 3rd innings, getting Lamar's cleanup hitter Cala Wilson to ground into a double play and pop up to shortstop. Over 10 innings against Lamar this weekend, Taylor allowed just 2 unearned runs on 6 hits, striking out 11 and walking 2. Lamar starter Ava Prejean lasted just 4 batters without recording an out, taking the loss.

  • The game was moved up to a noon start on Saturday to try to beat the rain.

The players

Malayna Daigle

McNeese pinch-hitter who hit a 3-run triple in the 5th inning to end the game early.

Alexis Dibbley

McNeese outfielder who had 2 doubles and scored 2 runs, continuing her hot hitting over the last 5 games.

Rylee Cloud

McNeese infielder who drove in 2 runs with her 2 hits.

Brookelyn Taylor

McNeese freshman pitcher who picked up her 2nd win of the weekend, allowing just 2 unearned runs over 10 innings against Lamar.

Ava Prejean

Lamar starting pitcher who lasted just 4 batters without recording an out, taking the loss.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like we played really good softball today. We played clean softball and got some timely hitting.”

— James Landreneau, McNeese head coach

“It took a lot of adjustments to get here. I wasn't being the player I could be.”

— Alexis Dibbley

“I knew if I got the ball on the ground, my defense would turn it. It feels good to do this for my team.”

— Brookelyn Taylor, McNeese pitcher

What’s next

McNeese will travel to Ruston to take on Louisiana Tech on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

The takeaway

This win extends McNeese's dominance in the Southland Conference, as they chase an unprecedented 5th straight regular season championship. The Cowgirls have now won 7 of their last 8 games and are off to a hot 3-0 start in conference play.