Nicholls State Softball Team Prepares for Mardi Gras Mambo
The Nicholls State University softball team is gearing up for a busy weekend at the annual Mardi Gras Mambo tournament in Youngsville, Louisiana. They’ll kick things off with matches against Eastern Illinois at 2 p.m. and St. Thomas at 4 p.m. on Friday. Saturday’s games include Georgia State at 3 p.m. and New Mexico at 5 p.m., while Sunday features a morning match against SIUE at 10 a.m.
Last weekend, the Colonels split their games in the Stinger Classic. They secured wins against Alabama State and Southern Indiana but faced defeats from Lindenwood and Murray State. The team showed promise, recording 37 hits overall, but they also allowed 37 hits, indicating room for improvement.
Standout performances include Claire Sisco, who shined with six hits and six stolen bases. Madison Moak and Lilianna Robledo each contributed five RBIs. Moak also recorded two doubles, while Gabby Higbee hit three doubles. Laylin Sturm led the team with a batting average of .500, gathering four hits, five walks, and two hit-by-pitches.
In terms of pitching, Averi Paden and Ashley Little both earned wins. Paden pitched 9 innings with a commendable 2.33 ERA, while Little struck out three in her 5.1 innings.
In previous Mardi Gras Mambo tournaments, Nicholls has faced Eastern Illinois and St. Thomas. In 2022 and 2023, they won both matches against EIU and split with St. Thomas. Last time they participated in this tournament in 2024, they ended with a solid 4-1 record.
More Insights on the Tournament
This tournament brings together teams not just from Louisiana but across the country. Tournaments like the Mardi Gras Mambo allow players to gain valuable experience early in the season. According to a recent NCAA report, early-season tournaments can significantly impact team cohesion and performance throughout the season.
As social media buzzes with excitement for the tournament, fans are showing their support for the Colonels, sharing predictions and celebrating players on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. This kind of community support fosters a strong team spirit and motivates the athletes on the field.
For more detailed statistics and insights about college softball, you can visit the NCAA’s official site here.
With ongoing teamwork and determination, the Colonels aim to build on their past performances and make a strong impression at this year’s Mardi Gras Mambo.
