Run-scoring plays by outfielder Jennie Kieval and second baseman Dani Allen and a strong pitching effort from Taylor Atkinson and Lindsey McLeod earned Sam Houston its first Southland Conference softball victory Saturday night.

The 2-0 shutout of Nicholls came after the Kat softball team road on their bus for nearly eight hours through flooded Louisiana Friday then waited until 7 p.m. Saturday for the rain to go away.

The Bearkats and the Colonels will complete the series with a doubleheader starting at 12 noon. The victory ended a six-game losing streak for the Sam women as the squad upped its record to 6-15 for the year and 1-3 in league action. Nicholls falls to 14-11 for the season and 1-2 in Southland action.

After three scoreless innings, designated player Ashley Goetz opened the bottom of the fourth with a double. First baseman Codi Carpenter's sacrifice bunt moved pinch runner Ashley Kopps to second base. A single to left field scored Kopps. Following a walk by outfielder Samantha Belongia and a single by outfielder Bailey Watson to load the bases, Kieval scored on a ground out by Allen.

Atkinson blanked the Colonels for six inning, allowing only four hits in those frames while striking out two. When the opening two Nicholls batters in the bottom of the seventh singled, Lindsey McLeod stepped into the circle. The freshman struck out the first two batters she faced. The third popped out to earn Sam Houston the victory.

The victory was the third in the circle this season for Atkinson. McLeod's save was the first of the season for the Bearkats. Breanna Homer and Watson each went 2-for-4 to lead Sam Houston at the plate.