THIBODAUX, La. - The Nicholls State University softball team pulled off a rare feat last season. Not only did the Colonels lead the Southland in earned run average, but the offense posted the best batting average in the league at .312. With only one starter graduating from the lineup, Nicholls is set for another outstanding season at the plate.

In leading the SLC in both categories last year, Nicholls was the first team since 2002 to do so. Along with the Colonels' two primary pitchers returning, six position players were named to the preseason All-Southland squads - five who received all-league honors in 2018.

The infield returns two Southland First-Team selections - shortstop Amanda Gianelloni and third base Jewel Lara. Both hit over .340 on the season and combined for 58 RBIs. Gianelloni is expected to start for the fourth straight campaign.

"Amanda has shown she can hold the position down. She has done a great job of doing the work, and I don't think she's reached her potential yet," said head coach Angel Santiago. "She's been known to make phenomenal plays in the field - diving, catching, and getting up to make great throws - but she needs to make those every-day regular plays too. At the plate, she also does a great job - either with her bunt or driving in runs."

While Lara started 46 games as a freshman, Louisiana-Lafayette transfer Caitlin Garcia has provided the team with another strong option at the corner. Garcia played in eight games with the Ragin' Cajuns in 2018 after batting .500 with 12 homers and 59 RBIs in her senior season at Spring High School.

"It will be a matter of whoever hits and is defensively competent. They'll need to be solid in all the areas - shutting the short game down, getting lead runners, and being in the right position on cuts and relays," said Coach Santiago.

Another position with depth is first base. Along with preseason honoree Samantha Dares, seniors Gretchen Morgan and freshman Melise Gossen give the Colonels a solid trio. Santiago believes it will be another battle for playing time.

"I think it will be a dog fight. We have talent, but we just have to keep working. A lot of our success on defense will come down to first base."

At second, sophomore Emma Holland put together a strong fall at the plate after ending last season as the starter. Bailey Hughes and Skylar Hamilton combined for 26 starts in their freshman season.

"With them, we have three players pushing each other to be right," said Santiago. "They trade off on reps, talk to each other and give one another encouragement."

Behind the plate, the Colonels graduated All-Southland catcher Moriah Strother. But Kali Clement, who received all-conference honors as a utility player last year, had the most starts on the season with 24. She's joined by senior Veronica Villafranco and Garcia.

"All three have similar ups and downs in their games. It's just going to come down to who wants to be the one who catches the majority of the games," Santiago said. "If they take care of business and are ready every day, it will give us another bat in the lineup and give the catchers some rest."

In the outfield, the Colonels welcome back senior Kasey Frederick and sophomore Kelsey Miller - both coming off all-conference recognition. Last season, Frederick paced the Colonel offense with a .377 average and 42 RBIs while Miller hit at the leadoff spot and finished with a .315 average.

Another sophomore, Corynn Major, turned it up at the tail end of the season. She took over right field and logged 17 starts, hitting .411 after hitting safely in 11 of the final 12 games.

Other outfielders include returners Mallory Marino and Samantha Mracich, and freshmen Kennedy Hebert and Riley Dunn.

"We potentially have seven players who could spend time in the outfield - either starting or coming into the game later. Mallory has really sharpened her game defensively, and Mracich is showing signs of improving out in the field."

UP NEXT
The Colonels open the season Friday at 1 p.m. against Southern Illinois in the Lion Classic in Hammond. Games played on Field One will have live stats and a video stream. The links are available on the schedule page on geauxcolonels.com.

ADMISSION
Admission to all Colonel home games at the Swanner Field is free of charge. Nicholls makes its home debut next Wednesday (Feb. 13) against Southern Miss.

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