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American Press
21-07-2025
- Sport
- American Press
Cowboys picked for sixth
(Matthew Bonnotte / McNeese Athletics) SAN ANTONIO — Southland Conference coaches and Sports Information Directors don't think much about the return of Matt Viator to McNeese State. After the Cowboys improved six wins last season, the second most in Division I football, they made a change and brought back Viator after a nine-year absence. Yet the three-time SLC Coach of the Year and all-time winningest skipper in McNeese history sees his team picked for sixth in the league's preseason poll released Monday morning. McNeese managed to collect just 85 points, despite Viator's resume, which includes four championships and five playoff appearances in 10 years. That may just be the kick in the pants the Cowboys need as they look to get back in the race for a title after last year's 6-6 finish. Defending champion Incarnate Word was tagged as the favorite once again, picking up 15 of the possible 20 first-place votes. The Cardinals, who return preseason All-American wide receiver Jalen Walthall, finished with 158 points after going 11-3 last season. In just its second season back in the league, Stephen F. Austin was next with 137 points and three first-place votes. The Lumberjacks were one of three teams to finish last year with a 7-5 record. SFA finished just one point ahead of Southeastern, which was third at 136 and picked up one of the remaining two first-place votes. The other went to Lamar, which placed fourth with 112 total points. Both Southeastern and Lamar also finished 7-5 last season, but none of the three earned a second postseason spot for the Southland Conference in the FCS playoffs. Nicholls was picked fifth with 91 points despite the retirement of long-time head coach Tim Rebowe. Defensive Coordinator Tommy Rybacki will take over the program. Following McNeese, East Texas A&M, and Houston Christian came in tied for seventh with points. Northwestern State (39) placed ninth, with football newcomer Texas-Rio Grande Valley coming in last with just 24 points. SLC PRESEASON POLL 1. UIW 15/158 2. SFA 3/137 3. SELA 1/136 4. Lamar 1/112 5. Nicholls 91 6. McNeese 85 7t HCU/ETAM 59 9. NW State 39 10. UTRGV 24
American Press
30-04-2025
- Sport
- American Press
Landreneau, 5 players earn honors
James Landreneau won his fourth SLC Coach of the Year honor Wednesday. (Kirk Meche/Special to the American Press) After a historic run to their fourth straight Southland Conference regular season title, the Cowgirls earned the postseason honors on the eve of tournament play. Led by their head coach, five Cowgirls were rewarded for their seasons by the SLC on Wednesday when the league announced its All-conference squads. Head coach James Landreneau was named the league's Coach of the Year for the fourth time in his nine seasons leading the Cowgirls. He is also a repeat winner from last season, leading his young team to a 37-18 record, including 23-4 in league play. Right-hander Maddie Taylor earned both Pitcher and Freshman of the Year honors while posting a 16-7 record with a 3.68 earned run average. Joining Taylor on the first team are fellow freshmen Sarah Allen (catcher) and Kassidy Chance (utility). Allen hit .329 while Chance leads the team with a .400 average. Sophomore outfielder Samantha Mundine also earned first-team honors after hitting .375 and driving in 27 runs heading into Pod play, which opens Thursday at Joe Miller Field. Senior Reese Reyna and sophomore Nyjah Fontenot were selected to the second team at shortstop and outfield, respectively.. Reyna is hitting .308 with five homers and 29 RBIs. Fontenot, a redshirt sophomore who transferred from Arkansas, is hitting .394 with 37 RBIs. Ironically, perhaps McNeese's MVP this season, Jada Munoz, didn't make any team. The junior is second in the league in home runs with 14, one off the lead. She leads the conference in RBIs (53) and doubles (19) and is second in runs scored (51). Superlatives Player of the Year – Victoria Altamirano, UIW Coach of the Year – James Landreneau, McNeese Newcomer of the Year – Macie LaRue, Southeastern Freshman of the Year – Kassidy Chance, McNeese Hitter of the Year – Victoria Altamirano, UIW Pitcher of the Year – Maddie Taylor, McNeese First Team C – Sarah Allen, McNeese 1B – Victoria Altamirano, UIW 2B – Claire Sisco, Nicholls 3B – Maria Detillier, Southeastern SS – Chloe Magee, Southeastern OF – Shenita Tucker, Southeastern OF – Samantha Mundine, McNeese OF – AB Garcia, HCU DP – Veronica Harrison, Lamar UTL – Kassidy Chance, McNeese P – Macie LaRue, Southeastern P – Maddie Taylor, McNeese Second Team C – Adelynn Becerra, SFA 1B – Tatum Wright, East Texas A&M 2B – Ellie Vance, SFA 3B – Haylie Savage, HCU SS – Reese Reyna, McNeese OF – Reagan Heflin, Nicholls OF – Maddie Cason, East Texas A&M OF – Nyjah Fontenot, McNeese DP – Kyi'Marri Ester, SFA UTL – Molly VandenBout, Nicholls P – Larissa Jacquez, UIW P – Britney Lewinski, Southeastern All-Defensive Team C – Jaisy Caceres, UIW 1B – Cala Wilson, Lamar 2B – Claire Sisco, Nicholls 3B – Trinity Brandon, Lamar SS – Reese Reyna, McNeese LF – Maddy Bailey, HCU CF – Sophia Livers, Northwestern State RF – Reagan Heflin, Nicholls P – Maddie Taylor, McNeese
