NEW ORLEANS — For the first time in the three-year history of Xavier University of Louisiana softball, the Gold Nuggets went 2-0 on opening day.
        XULA won 8-0 and 11-1 Friday against Southeastern Baptist at Wesley Barrow Stadium. Both games were stopped in the fifth inning because of the eight-run rule.
        Twins Vivionna Robles and Vannity Robles pitched complete games — they combined to allow five hits and strike out six in 10 innings — and freshman Kadence Means, who played third base, led the offense in the second game with four RBIs, including a triple and a home run.
        Leadoff hitter Kenedi Jackson — a New Orleanian and a transfer from NCAA Division I Arkansas-Pine Bluff — reached safely five times in seven plate appearances: four singles and a hit by pitch. Jackson singled in each of the first two innings of the opener, and for the day she stole five bases in as many attempts.
        Also sparking XULA were McKenzie Guillory and Kiera Evans with two RBIs apiece in the opener, and newcomer Alisha Wallace had two RBIs, one on a double, in the second game. Chenai Keyes was 2-for-2 in each game, including a triple that jump-started the Gold Nuggets' four-run fourth inning in the second game.
        It was the ninth time that the Gold Nuggets went 2-0 in one day.
        XULA also is 2-0 all-time in January. The Gold Nuggets will resume their schedule Feb. 5 — one week from Sunday — in a noon doubleheader against another Mississippi opponent, Rust, at Wesley Barrow.
        NOTES:  Throwing out the ceremonial first pitch was Pat Kendrick, in her sixth year as XULA's women's volleyball head coach. Kendrick was named this past week as interim executive director of athletics and recreation. Presenting Kendrick the softball was XULA Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Marguerite Giguette . . . The weather was mostly sunny with temperatures in the mid-50s . . . Southeastern Baptist's Chargers are from Laurel, Miss., and a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association . . . Admission to all XULA home games can be purchased online only through xulatix.universitytickets.com . Cash and credit cards are not accepted at the Wesley Barrow entrance.

When XULA softball went 2-0 in one day
2023
Jan. 27 at home vs. Southeastern Baptist — 8-0 and 11-1

2022
April 13 at Southeastern Baptist — 7-0 and 12-0
April 8 at Texas College — 17-1 and 12-5
April 1 at home vs. Southwest (N.M.) — 7-1 and 8-3
March 27 at home vs. Jarvis Christian — 5-0 and 9-1
March 12 at home vs. Texas College — 10-1 and 10-1
Feb. 13 at Vicksburg, Miss. — 8-2 vs. Alcorn State, 11-6 vs. Southeastern Baptist

2021
April 12 at home vs. MUW — 6-4 and 3-2
April 3 at home vs. Talladega — 8-0 and 9-2