Pitching depth gives Colonels viable options

Before every Nicholls softball game, head coach Jenny Parsons is faced with a tough question, “Which pitcher do I start?”

It’s a problem most coaches wish they had and one Parsons doesn’t mind having to deal with.

The performance of both of her pitchers, juniors Audrey Wood and H.L. Bourgeois alum Lacey Gros, have helped the Colonels jump out to their 23-11 first place conference record thus far.

So, when game time draws near, Parsons analyzes the pitcher-batter matchups and sees which pitcher best plays to her opponent’s weakness.

“Both are different pitchers,” Parsons said. “We decide who to throw based on hitters. When Lacy pitched the no-hitter, we knew her strength was Central Arkansas’ weakness. When we beat Texas State, it was Audrey’s strength.”

“Lacey has a better changeup, but they can sit on pitches if they are not looking outside corner. So when that is the case, we let Audrey pitch,” she added.

That formula has worked all season long. Gros pitched a no-hitter against Central Arkansas and Wood earned two victories over the Texas State Bobcats to gain control of the conference.

It’s the biggest reason why the Colonels are one of the top defensive teams in the conference and are seen as likely contenders for the conference championship.

Both Wood and Gros trust their coach’s decision come game time because they know at some point each will see their time on the mound.

“Audrey does a great job and it’s good to know that even if I’m off in my game, she’ll come out and help us even the series,” Gros said. “We’re very close and I have the faith in her.”

Wood feels the same about her fellow pitcher.

“Our defense is right there behind us when the other team makes contact,” the Oklahoma native said. “Lacey works so hard, and she is moving the ball really well this year which actually makes things easier on me.”

Wood’s record sits at 12-4 with 66 strikeouts and a 1.86 ERA, while Gros has gone 11-7 with a 1.77 ERA and has struck out 150 batters on the year.

Both admitted they still have a lot of work to do if they want to help keep the Colonels competitive.

“Sometimes I can hang pitches in the strike zone,” Gros said. “If I spin the ball like I know how to, then I know I’ll be successful. I just have to keep doing what I know I can do.”

The coach, however, couldn’t be any happier with the two’s performance. She understands that whatever success the Colonels have for the rest of the season will rest on the arms of Gros and Wood.

“They both throw extremely well and both are going to get the ball,” Parsons said. ” I don’t have to share the ball. They both know they will get the ball. We have an opportunity to win every game that we’re in because of those two. I put it all on their shoulders all year and they have both done an excellent job up to this point.”

The Colonels had a 10-day break to heal themselves before they returned to action Saturday for their doubleheader against Houston Baptist in Houston. They swept the two-game series.

The two well-rested pitchers believed it was just what they needed for the final stretch of the season, especially with conference play starting to heat up even more.

Gros said despite how well the Colonels are playing, the biggest trait the team possesses is confidence in each other. And while she and Wood get the wins and most of the praise, it wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the team.

Gros noted that not only is the relationship between her and Wood solid, it spreads to the entire team as well.

“I think we need to stay together and keep our team chemistry where it is,” she said. “If we can do the things we know how to do, then we’ll continue to be good. Anything is possible if that happens.”

If the early part of the season is any indication of things to come, Wood and Gros could be standing on the mound of an NCAA regional game.

Nicholls’ pitchers Audrey Wood (left) and Lacey Gros (right) have carried the Colonel softball team to a 23-11 overall record, first place in the Southland Conference. The duo has combined to strikeout over 200 batters, while keeping an ERA no higher than 1.86 all season long. * Photo by KYLE CARRIER