GULFPORT, Miss. – Senior Hannah Haydel put together another outstanding performance in the circle against No. 24 Baylor on Sunday, but the Lady Bears pushed the game's only run across the plate in the sixth as the Colonels fell 1-0 to close out play in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Classic.
 
After winning both games on Friday, the loss was the third straight for Nicholls (10-7). With the win, Baylor improved to 11-3 on the season.
 
Haydel (5-3) tossed all seven innings for the Colonels, scattering six hits while striking out four. Baylor's Kendall Potts (5-0) earned the win, striking out six in 6.1 innings.
 
The Colonels registered just two hits in the loss, getting singles by Danielle Phillips and Amanda Gianelloni. Phillips broke up Potts' no-hitter in the bottom of the fourth with a leadoff single, but after stealing second, she was stranded after the next three batters were retired.
 
Baylor scored in the sixth after recording two hits in the frame. Shelby Friudenberg led off with a hit and Linsey Hays followed with a bunt single, which allowed the pinch runner Kyla Walker to reach third. Hays was then caught in a run down and Walker scored on the play.
 
In the bottom of the seventh, Gianelloni singled with one out and Alexis Huss moved her into scoring position after drawing a walk. Baylor went to the bullpen as Heather Sterns entered the game, and she struck out the final two batters to earn the save.
 
Nicholls will return to the diamond next weekend in the Mean Green Spring Fling, hosted by North Texas. The Colonels will take on Tennessee-Martin and Houston Baptist on Friday to open the tournament.