Box Score MONROE – The Northwestern State Lady Demon softball team started the 2013 season strong as they shut out defending SWAC Conference champions, Mississippi Valley State, 6-0 at the ULM Mardi Gras Classic Friday afternoon.
 
NSU (1-0) held the Devilettes (0-2) to just four hits.
 
“All around this was a great way to start off the season,” said head coach Donald Pickett. “Securing a win over a defending conference champion couldn't have come at a better time.”
 
From the plate, junior Tara McKenney led the Lady Demons with two hits and two RBI.
 
Senior Kylie Roos pitched a full game facing 25 batters, striking out eight.
 
The Lady Demons got on the board in the first inning when McKenney notched a single. Cali Burke ripped one down the left field line, earning a triple and knocking in McKenney. Burke would score later off a sac fly from Brianna Rodriguez.
 
In the fourth, Rodriguez got on base as she drove one up the middle, followed by a single up the right side from Cassandra Barefield. Roos notched a double to drive in Rodriguez.
 
Shenequia Abby put down a sac bunt to advance runners, capping the score at six.
 
NSU continues play in the Mardi Gras Classic on Saturday when they face UC-Santa Barbara at 11, followed by Southeast Missouri State at 5:30.