THE BASICS
Score: McNeese State 5, Holy Cross 1
Record: Holy Cross (0-1); McNeese State (13-6)
Pitching Decision: W: Rachel Smith (5-2) | L: Gennifer Durham (0-1)
Location: Cowgirl Diamond (Lake Charles, La.)
Time: 6:00 p.m. CT / 7:00 p.m. ET
The Lead: McNeese State pinch hitter Amber Schisler capped off a five-run fifth inning for the Cowgirls came away with the 5-1 victory over Holy Cross in non-conference softball action on Monday night at Cowgirl Diamond.

• The Crusaders nabbed the 1-0 lead in the second inning as junior Becky Geddes (Cumberland, R.I.) singled to centerfield as senior co-captain Cassie Girvalo (Putnam Valley, N.Y.) advanced to second. Girvalo moved up on a throwing error committed by the centerfielder that allowed junior co-captain Sarah Kane (Jacksonville, Fla.) to cross home plate.
• Durham whiffed three McNeese batters through four innings, but ran into trouble in the fifth inning as she gave up four runs.
• After a single by Erika Piancastelli drove in the third McNeese run of the inning, Durham was taken out and was relieved by freshman Katy Watson (Bexley, Ohio).
• Schisler entered the game as a pinch hitter and smashed a double to center field that capped off the Cowgirls' five-run fifth inning. Watson got out of the inning as Schisler was thrown at home plate by Kane.
• Senior pitcher Tori Cheske (Thomaston, Conn.) was brought into action at the top of the sixth inning and allowed one hit and no runs. 
• The Crusaders went down in order in the top of the seventh to end the game as McNeese came away with the 5-1 victory. Holy Cross fell to 0-1 while McNeese improved 13-6.

• McNeese reliever Rachel Smith earned the victory (5-2) as she tossed 2.2 innings and allowed no runs and struck out four. McNeese starter Julia Trahan pitched 4.1 innings and allowed one run on eight hits.
• Holy Cross starter Gennifer Durham was charged with the loss (0-1), as she tossed 4.1 innings while allowing four runs on eight hits and whiffing three.
• In her first collegiate appearance, Watson pitched .2 innings as she allowed one run on two hits and struck out one. Cheske pitched 1.0 innings, allowing one hit and no earned runs.

• The Crusaders return to the field tomorrow, Mar. 3, for a doubleheader against Nicholls State. The first game is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. as the first pitch of the second game is slated for 8:00 p.m.

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