No Diamonds in the Rough

Photo: PJ Mitchell/McNeese Athletics

By Jim Gazzolo

Overshadowed this spring by McNeese State’s men’s basketball team, two other programs are finding their own success on campus.

As usual, the McNeese softball team continues to improve and is back in first place in the Southland Conference with nine games to play.

The baseball team is on the same path, if not doing even better.

It is making for a pretty good year on the diamonds at McNeese.

“It is a tribute to our two coaches and the programs they have put together,” said McNeese Athletic Director Heath Schroyer. “They always field top programs that are competitive in the championship talk.”

The Cowgirls are looking to make history if they can finish the year strong. With nine Southland Conference games remaining, McNeese is 14-4 in the league, 28-17 overall, good for a first-place tie with Southeastern.

McNeese holds the tiebreaker thanks to winning a recent series against the Lady Lions in Hammond. 

If they hold on, the Cowgirls will be the first softball program in league history to win four straight regular-season championships.

“We don’t think about that,” said McNeese softball coach James Landreneau. “What is special about winning a championship is it’s not about the trophy, it's the journey you have to take to get there. 

“The ability to focus day in and day out is the challenge. If you win a championship, it shows you can deal with adversity. That’s what you remember.”

In baseball, the Cowboys have been even better. They have won nine straight games, their most since 2010. They hold a 24-5 record, tied for the best start in program history.

They are also 11-4 in the SLC, tied for second one game behind Houston Christian. 

“Our guys have remained focused every day throughout the season,” said McNeese baseball coach Justin Hill. “They continue to show up every day. They have answered the bell each time.

“They expect to win and know what they must do to be at their best. We just want to do our thing and let everything take care of itself.”

The Cowboys find themselves getting national attention. They are ranked as high as No. 20 in one mid-major poll and are considered on the bubble for an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament.

That was helped Wednesday night when they beat Houston of the Big 12.

Both clubs are loaded with similarities as well. 

Each had big questions heading into the season. The softball team was young, and the baseball team had many new parts that had to come together.

And both had pitching questions. The Cowgirls are pieced together by a couple of freshmen who have led the way.

The Cowboys have had to play with a group of pitchers who have shared the spotlight. They won a league game last week by throwing nine pitchers in one game.

However, both clubs have found ways to make runs and position themselves well down the stretch.

And out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

Jim Gazzolo is a freelance writer who covers McNeese athletics. He is the host of Poke Nation on CBS-Lake Charles.