The Colonels took advantage of four Bearkat errors to score three unearned runs as Nicholls defeated Sam Houston 5-2 in opening game of a Southland Conference weekend series Friday night.

The pair complete the series with a doubleheader at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Bearkat Softball Complex.

Sam Houston (7-16, SLC 0-4) started strong as shortstop Sarah Allison's single up the middle scored second baseman Dani Allen in the bottom of the first inning. Allen walked and was singled to second.

Colonel right-fielder Laura Neil tied the game in the top of the second with a home run to left field. But catcher Tiffany Castillo answered with a solo homer in the bottom of the third to put the Kats back up 2-1. Castillo's home run was the 22nd of her career. She stands as Sam Houston's fourth all-time leader in home runs.

Nicholls (15-7, SLC 3-1) took control with three runs in the top of the fifth. Designated player Kimmie Rodriguez blasted a home run just under the left field scoreboard. Centerfielder Payton Gremillion singled then scored on a pair of errors by the Bearkats on a sacrifice bunt. A single by catcher Kayla Prater brought in the third run.

Shortstop Brooke Morris left off the top of the seventh with a single and later scored on an error.

Meme Quinn was the loser in the circle for the Bearkats. Hannah Haydel spread out seven Bearkat hits for a complete game victory.