The independent student news organization of Nicholls State University

the nicholls worth

The independent student news organization of Nicholls State University

the nicholls worth

The independent student news organization of Nicholls State University

the nicholls worth

Softball seniors say farewell to their athletic careers

Senior+softball+players+Ashley+Bertot%2C+Alaina+Guidry%2C+Leah+Andrus%2C+Ashton+Bennett+pose+for+a+photo.
Senior softball players Ashley Bertot, Alaina Guidry, Leah Andrus, Ashton Bennett pose for a photo.

Nicholls softball will be without Leah Andrus, Ashton Bennett, Ashley Bertot and Alaina Guidry when the four seniors leave the team to graduate after this season.
The players have followed different paths leading to the end of their college career. Andrus, who pitches and plays first base, played two seasons at LSU-Eunice where she won a National Junior College Athletic Association National Championship before coming to Nicholls. With a mother who played basketball and a father who played football at McNeese, Andrus comes from an athletic family.
Bennett has spent her entire playing career as a Colonel. The pitcher was active the last time the Colonels qualified for the conference tournament in 2010, an outcome the team is hoping for as the season comes to a close.
Bennett played two seasons at the University of Buffalo before earning Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year in her first season at Nicholls, playing outfield and second base. Guidry came to play shortstop and outfield for the Colonels from nearby Vandebilt Catholic in Houma, La.
Even though they came from different backgrounds, the four crossed paths playing for the Colonels, where they made a number of memories. Some rallies from the current season came to mind.
“We have had some good comebacks this season,” Bertot said. “There was one where it was cold against Southeast Missouri.”
The girls recalled playing at the Purple and Gold Challenge where the team lost by one run to LSU and took Virginia to eight innings.
“We lost 4-3 to Virginia,” Andrus said. “That is a pretty big team.”
This season held an added significance for Guidry in the way the team has played in her last season, compared to other years when the girls felt the team lacked fight.
“We are actually competing in the conference this year,” Guidry said.
When asked if there were any field memories, the seniors decided to keep those quiet.
“We’re not going to mention those,” Guidry said.
The ladies feel there is a bright future ahead for them, helped by their time at Nicholls.
“You learn how to time-manage and that gives you an advantage in the workforce,” Bennett said. “We have a lot of things at hand, and we have to excel at all of them. I think employers like athletes . We understand what needs to be done.”
The seniors said they would miss the feeling of knowing they are part of a group of individuals who look out for one another.
“You go to class, and you know you just have someone there for you,” Andrus said. “You always have someone to talk to.”
Not everything will be missed though.
“I will not miss 5 a.m. workouts,” Andrus said.
According to Bertot, the team has been bringing in “bigger name” players and building a stronger program.
“The program is headed in the right direction from the past few years,” Guidry said. “We all wish them the best that they will succeed.”
At sixth place in the conference with three games to go, the Colonels could make the conference tournament, giving the seniors the chance to cap off their collegiate careers in the postseason.

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Softball seniors say farewell to their athletic careers