THIBODAUX, La. - The Nicholls State University softball pitching staff tossed 370 innings in 2018, finishing atop the Southland Conference by a wide margin in earned run average and opponent batting average which paved the way for the Colonels' regular season championship.

Eight-seven percent of that production returns for the 2019 staff, led by senior and reigning Southland Pitcher of the Year Megan Landry.

"I know Megan is ready to go this season to go get 20-plus wins again. She has that kind of endurance built up." said head coach Angel Santiago, who led Nicholls to a 40-15 overall record in his seventh campaign.

Landry was outstanding in the circle as a junior, leading the Southland Conference with a 22-7 record and a 1.94 earned run average. She also ranked second in the SLC in opponent batting average (.209), fourth in strikeouts (127) and tossed the third-most innings at 180.1.

The Pierre Part native was the ace of the staff that posted a 2.27 ERA and a .219 opponent batting average. The teams that ranked second in the SLC finished at 2.81 and .244.

Sophomore Alexis LaBure is also expected to play a major role again after pitching in 41 games and 141.2 innings in her rookie season.

"Alexis will see plenty of appearances this season, more than most," Santiago said. "Obviously, she will be the one to take the torch the following year."

LaBure went 14-6 with a 2.52 ERA as the second starter, but also picked up five saves out of the bullpen. She racked up 121 strikeouts, ranking sixth in the Southland. She also was in the top 5 for ERA in the league.

The Colonels could also see some of the newcomers add to the already stellar 1-2 punch. Freshmen Jordan Moon, Emily Danehower and Kennedy Hebert are expected to see time as spot pitchers.

"I have confidence in them to face tough situations. I've seen them rise to the challenge and I'm seeing better bullpens from them," Santiago said. "We'll have a lot of help on the backside of our pitching. It will be a good thing for the health of our staff."

UP NEXT
Leading up to the season opener on Friday in Hammond, previews of the infield and outfield will be available on geauxcolonels.com.

ADMISSION
Admission to all Colonel home games at the Swanner Field is free of charge. Nicholls' home opener is Wednesday, Feb. 13 against Southern Miss. 

FOLLOW ALONG
The Colonel softball team can be followed all season long on Twitter @Nicholls_SB.
 

Comin' for ya 2019! #GeauxColonels #ChampionshipHabits pic.twitter.com/RpwhM0kb7A

— Nicholls Softball (@Nicholls_SB) January 22, 2019