Southland Conference baseball semifinal delayed by rain at Joe Miller Field
Lake Charles, LA – A powerful rainstorm washed out Day 2 of the Southland Conference’s double-elimination semifinals Friday, pushing the highly anticipated showdown between McNeese State Cowgirls and Nicholls Colonels to Saturday at 2 p.m. The weather disruption leaves McNeese fans anxiously awaiting a much-needed redemption opportunity at home in Joe Miller Field.
The second-seeded McNeese State Cowgirls, boasting a 36-19 season record, and third-seeded Nicholls Colonels, at 30-21, both opened the semifinal round with narrow victories Thursday but will now have to regroup overnight after no play was possible Friday due to persistent rain.
McNeese edged out Stephen F. Austin 5-4, while Nicholls triumphed 7-4 over Northwestern State. These results kept both teams in strong position on the winners’ side of the bracket but the sudden weather delay adds tension to an already fierce rivalry.
Coach James Landreneau takes the delay in stride
“There isn’t much we could do today. We will just use the day to rest, recover, and get ready for Saturday. We are excited to play,” said McNeese head coach James Landreneau.
Landreneau expressed confidence despite the disruption, noting all four teams were allowed to take advantage of McNeese’s indoor hitting facility for practice. “Maybe it helps us being at home a little instead of sitting around a hotel all day, but I think everybody will be ready to go tomorrow,” he added.
McNeese’s long-standing quest for payback on Nicholls
The Cowgirls suffered three tight losses early in the Southland season at Nicholls, falling to 1-5 in conference with games decided by just four total runs. But McNeese rallied late, winning 11 of their last 12 conference games to secure the second seed and the right to host this bracket.
“That was just meant to be,” Landreneau said. “Now we have to make all that work pay off.” The Cowgirls are banking on home field energy and crowd support, with senior standout Maddie Weeks highlighting the importance of playing in front of fans. “They give us energy,” Weeks said.
Landreneau acknowledged Nicholls’ pitchers kept McNeese off balance earlier and credited the Colonels for big hits. Yet, he insists the team is in a strong place physically and mentally heading into the critical rematch Saturday afternoon.
Injury update and lineup notes
One silver lining for McNeese is the potential return of key player Nyjah Fontenot, who appeared as designated player in the Thursday win despite a knee injury. “We are easing her back into it,” Landreneau confirmed, suggesting the rain delay may provide additional recovery time ahead of this vital game.
Upcoming schedule and what’s next
The elimination game between Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (29-25) and Northwestern State (24-28) will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, with the winners of Saturday’s games advancing to keep title hopes alive. The championship is scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday, with a second game following if necessary.
The Southland Conference baseball tournament has regional and national implications, drawing attention from college sports fans in South Carolina and across the U.S. as teams vie for NCAA tournament berths.
For now, all eyes are on Lake Charles as both McNeese and Nicholls prepare for what should be a dramatic Saturday rematch charged with the energy of home crowd and redemption on the line.
Stay tuned to The SC Journal for live updates, scores, and detailed game coverage right here.
