Two-time defending champion McNeese State swept the opening Southland Conference softball series for both teams with 7-2 and 3-0 victories over Sam Houston Saturday in Lake Charles, La.

Cowgirl pitchers Emily Vincent and Rachel Smith combined to allow the Bearkat women only six hits in 14 innings in the doubleheader sweep Saturday.

Vincent limited the Bearkats to four hits in the first game. But one of the four was a two-run homer by right fielder Jennie Kieval in the fifth inning. The blast scored Tiffany Castillo who singled to lead off the inning.

Hannah Marino and Jessica Slater picked up the other two hits for the Bearkats in the first game. Tayler Atkinson was the losing pitcher, playing the first four innings. Haley Baros threw in relief.

McNeese totaled 13 hits, scoring two runs in the first inning, one in the second and three in the bottom of the fifth. The Cowgirls post two home runs and two doubles.

Slater and Rachel Webb were the only Bearkats to pick up hits off Smith in the nightcap. Meme Quinn was the losing pitcher for the Bearkats.

McNeese upped their season record to 16-6 while Sam Houston dropped to 7-13 for the year.

Sam Houston's next action is a non-conference game with Texas A&M in College Station Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.