McNeese Softball Opens 2026 Season Thursday vs No. 1 Texas Tech

Lake Charles, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - Can the train keep on rolling? McNeese Softball is set to open up the 2026 season with a huge matchup with the defending national runner-ups, Texas Tech Red Raiders.

A lot is coming back for Head Coach James Landreneau in their quest for their fifth consecutive regular season Southland Title. The Cowgirls return 17 players from last year’s team that finished 41-20 overall and 23-4 in the Southland. Several star players are back, including Maddie Taylor, Kassidy Chance, and Jada Muñoz.

“That’s not something we really talk about,” Landreneau said. “This is about this year’s team and becoming the best version of ourselves.”

Get our free mobile app

Maddie Taylor was named Southland Pitcher of the Year as a freshman. She went 18-7 overall and 11-1 in conference play. She led the team in wins, innings pitched, strikeouts, and appearances.

Kassidy Chance earned Southland Freshman of the Year honors. She led the Cowgirls in stolen bases and was near the top of the team in hits, runs scored, and walks.

Jada Muñoz had a breakout season in 2025. She led the team in home runs, doubles, runs scored, RBIs, walks, and slugging percentage. She was also named NFCA All-Region.

“It takes pressure off hitters when you can’t pitch around anyone,” Landreneau said. “We’re deeper and more powerful one through nine than we’ve been in the past.”

READ MORE: LSU Baseball Leads Pre-Season Ranking in 1/2 Baseball Polls

McNeese will also welcome back Corine Poncho, who sat out the 2025 season. In 2024, Poncho was a first-team All-Southland player and led the team in several offensive categories, including home runs and RBIs.

“Poncho brings tremendous power, but she’s also a great defender,” Landreneau said. “Her attitude has been infectious for our team.”

Other Cowgirls you’ll want to keep an eye on this season are Nyjah Fontenot and Alexis Dibbley.

The Cowgirls also add nine newcomers this season, including graduate transfer Maddie Weeks from Southern Miss and Rylee Cloud from Arkansas.

READ MORE: Post Malone & Jelly Roll Set For Louisiana Stop

McNeese To Open Season Against #1 Texas Tech on Thursday

McNeese will open the 2026 season on February 5 at home against Texas Tech in the Twisted Vines Bayou Bash. The Red Raiders are coming off a run to the Women’s College World Series finals and enter the season ranked No. 1 in the country by Softball America. Texas Tech was also picked as the preseason No. 1 team in the Big 12 for the first time in program history.

The Red Raiders are expected to throw NiJaree Canady, the nation's top pitcher, for a stint on Thursday Night.

“If you make mistakes, you’ll get exposed,” he said. “That’s the level we want to prepare for.”