2023 XULA softball schedule

        NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana will begin its third season of intercollegiate softball Friday when it plays host to Southeastern Baptist in a 1 p.m. doubleheader at Wesley Barrow Stadium.
        Venue address is 6500 Press Drive, zip 70126. Barrow's softball facility is behind the baseball stadium's outfield wall. Weather forecast: partly cloudy and cool, high of 56 degrees.
        XULA will offer a free shuttle bus for students to attend the game. That vehicle will depart the University Center on the Broadway Street side at 12:15 p.m. and return to campus immediately after the conclusion of the first game.
        The Gold Nuggets were 21-30 in 2022 and earned a No. 7 seed in the Red River Athletic Conference Tournament. XULA was picked seventh in the RRAC preseason coaches poll announced Jan. 11.
        Returning players from 2022 are Shay Angelle, Mecolett Bradley, Toree Bradley, Kiera Evans, McKenzie Guillory, Chenai Keyes, Mekayla Marshall, Najah Nicholas, Alexis Richardson, Vannity Robles, Vivionna Robles, Macie Washington and Madison Winston. Newcomers are Chelsea Daniels, A'kili Greene, Yasmin Harmon, Kenedi Jackson, Melane Jimmie, Puatausaga Johnson, Kadence Means, Aunie Rethmeyer, Alisha Wallace and Kai Zokovitch.
        Returning for a third season are head coach Leslie Ballard and assistant coach Donnie Russell. After playing the past two seasons in a utility role for the Gold Nuggets, Brittany Ensley is working as a graduate assistant.
        Pat Kendrick, named this past week as XULA's interim executive director of athletics and recreation, will throw the ceremonial first pitch before the first game of Friday's doubleheader. Presenting Kendrick the softball will be XULA Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Marguerite Giguette.
        The RRAC opener will be a 2 p.m. doubleheader Feb. 24 against Texas A&M-Texarkana — the only home date this season that will not be played at Barrow. XULA and TAMUT will meet uptown at The Fly, 6500 Magazine St.