THIBODAUX – The Nicholls State University softball team will put its three-game conference winning streak on the line as the Colonels welcome second-place Texas State for a two-game series, starting on Friday night at the Colonel Softball Complex.

Friday's opener is scheduled for 6 p.m., with Saturday's finale set for noon. Both games can be listened to live at ThibodauxOnline.com.

Nicholls (7-20, 3-3) had its three-game overall winning streak snapped on Wednesday after its late rally came up short against ULM. Although the Colonels lost the matchup, the offense generated 11 hits, marking the third consecutive game that Nicholls has had double figures in hits. In the first 24 games of the season, Nicholls had completed the feat only twice.

Senior Ashley Ray continues to put up MVP-type numbers, leading the team with a .442 batting average, 23 RBIs and an astounding .779 slugging percentage. Ashley Bertot has paced the top of the order, hitting .342 with 20 runs and 10 stolen bases, while Leah Andrus has drove in seven runs over the last three games.

The Colonels will have their hands full against one of the Southland's best pitching staffs. Texas State (21-11, 7-1) heads into the weekend ranked third in ERA (2.28), second in opponent batting average (.211) and leads the SLC with 216 strikeouts. Anne Marie Taylor has a 1.71 ERA and 11 wins, which include a no-hitter and a perfect game. Chandler Hall also has a no-hitter for the Bobcats and has accounted for the other 10 wins.

In conference play, the pitching duo of Ashton Bennett and Katie Moulder has been outstanding for the Colonels. After six games, each has a shutout with Bennett posting a 0.37 ERA, while Moulder is at 1.56.

The Bobcats, who have won four straight and 12 of their last 13, are led at the plate by Anna Hernandez (.329) and Brooke Baker (.303). Hall heads the team with 16 RBIs.

Following the weekend series, Nicholls will place its next eight games on the road, starting on Tuesday, April 3 at South Alabama.