THIBODAUX, La. – For the seventh consecutive campaign, the Nicholls State University softball team will begin its season in the Lion Classic hosted by Southeastern Louisiana, starting Friday, Feb. 10 at North Oak Park.
 
GAMEDAY INFO
Friday, Feb. 10
Nicholls vs. Army – 3 p.m. (Field One)  LIVE STATS   l   VIDEO
Nicholls vs. Mississippi Valley State – 5 p.m. (Field One) LIVE STATS   l   VIDEO
 
Saturday, Feb. 11
Nicholls vs. Southern Illinois – 11 a.m. (Field One)  LIVE STATS   l   VIDEO
Nicholls vs. Nevada – 3 p.m. (Field Two)
 
Sunday, Feb. 12
Nicholls vs. Coppin State – 1 p.m. (Field Two)
 
STORYLINES
- Coming off a 39-win season and a second-place finish in the Southland, the Colonels were picked to finish fourth in the preseason polls by the coaches, and third by the sports information directors. Last year's champion, McNeese, was the heavy favorite to repeat.
- Although the Colonels lost a loaded senior class, including Southland Pitcher of the Year Hannah Haydel, the team brings back four sophomores who were named to the 2017 preseason team. Landing on first team was shortstop Amanda Gianelloni, while pitcher Megan Landry, utility player Veronica Villafranco and designated player Gretchen Morgan were named second team.
- Gianelloni posted one of the best freshman seasons in team history, being named Southland Freshman of the Year and First Team All-Southland.  For the season, she registered a .391 batting average with seven home runs and 40 RBIs. She finished the conference season ranked in the top 10 of the SLC in seven offensive categories, including top 5 rankings in batting average (.385), slugging percentage (.679), total bases (53) and triples (4).
- The Colonels have posted a combined 8-2 record in their last two appearances in the Lion Classic. In 2015, Nicholls had notable wins over Texas Arlington and UT Martin. Last season, they defeated Southern Illinois and Buffalo.
  
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
- Army was picked to finish second in the Patriot League. Senior second baseman Alee Rashenskas was honored as the league's Preseason Player of the Year and sophomore pitcher Renee Poirier was selected Preseason Pitcher of the Year. Army also won 39 games and finished second in its league.
- MVSU was projected to finish second in the 2017 SWAC preseason poll. The Devilettes had three players earn preseason honors – first-team pitcher Rebekah Clinton, and second-teamers third baseman Deja Talton and pitcher Monica Rivera.
- Southern Illinois is coming off a 33-19 season. The Salukis return all three pitchers from 2016, led by sophomore hurler Brianna Jones (23-11, 1.92 ERA).
- Nevada is another 30-win team after a 32-15 record last season. The Wolf Pack posted a .312 batting average, led by Jennifer Purcell (.412) and Aaliyah Gibson (.404).
- Coppin State, out of the MEAC, was 5-31 last season. The Eagles will be looking for their first nonconference win in over a year after going 0-19 in 2016.
 
UP NEXT
Nicholls will make its 2017 home debut  Wednesday, Feb. 15 with a doubleheader against Jackson State. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.