THIBODAUX, La. - Senior
Molly VandenBout started the scoring in an eight-run first inning with a three-run home run as the Nicholls State University softball team swept Lamar with a 11-3 run-rule victory on Senior Day Saturday at Swanner Field at Geo Surfaces Park.
VandenBout finished 3-for-4 at the plate and had six RBIs, including a two-run single in the fourth that put the run-rule into play.
Averi Paden retired Lamar in order in the fifth to give Nicholls (15-20, 6-6 SLC) its first sweep of the season.
The Colonels racked up 12 hits which included one from senior
Riley Rutherford.
Claire Sisco and
Brynne Songy added two each, while Songy drove in two runs in the first after VandenBout's three-run shot.
Lamar's pitching struggled in the first inning as the teams had to battle rain to start the game. Four different Cardinals pitched in the opening frame, combining for four walks, one hit-by-pitch, and six hits allowed.
Ally Mooneyham,
Erin Krause and VandenBout all tacked on an RBI for a commanding 8-0 lead.
In the second, a leadoff Colonel error made way for an RBI double by Trinity Brandon. LU added another RBI double, then a wild pitch and a walk led to an early pitching change for the Colonels as Paden took over for
Molly Yoo. The Cardinals scored their third run on a throwing error on a stolen base.
Nicholls had a chance to stretch the lead in the bottom half but could not score after loading the bases with no outs. But in the third,
Reagan Heflin singled and moved two bases on an error, then scored on a
Lilianna Robledo fielder's choice.
For the fourth,
Carmella Muccilli and Mooneyham started the inning with singles and moved over on a sac bunt. Then with two down, VandenBout stroked a single to left center for an 11-3 advantage.
Paden picked up her second win in as many days, giving up one hit in 3.2 innings. After allowing a one-out single in the third, she retired the final eight batters.
ON DECK
Nicholls will close out its home stand against Southern Miss on Wednesday, April 2. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.