Demons Edge Past UTRGV in Thrilling Southland Opener
Northwestern State opened its Southland Conference tournament campaign with a 6-5 victory over UT Rio Grande Valley, capitalizing on an early offensive burst and a clutch performance from the bullpen.
Sam Ardoin provided the decisive blow, launching a two-run homer in the fifth inning that turned a 4-3 tie into a 6-3 lead. The hit ignited the crowd and shifted momentum firmly in the Demons’ favor.
Relievers Jacob LeBlanc and Wesley Marien combined for five scoreless innings, preserving the lead and navigating a late rally by the Vaqueros that left eight baserunners stranded.
Coach Bertrand Praises Offensive Discipline
Head coach Chris Bertrand highlighted the team’s approach at the plate, noting that disciplined swing selection and timely extra-base hits were the foundation of the win.
‘We knew we had to be patient and strike when the pitches were there,’ Bertrand said. ‘The guys executed, and the defense backed us up when it mattered most.’
The Demons will now await the winner of the Stephen F. Austin–Lamar matchup, a potential showdown that could determine the tournament’s final bracket.
Pitcher Dylan Marionneaux, a first‑team All‑Southland selection, started on the mound and kept the Vaqueros’ offense in check before handing the ball to the bullpen. Starter Kike Cienfuegos, who entered with a 7-3 record, was limited to three runs over six innings.
Additional contributors such as Brooks Leonard, Ethan Menard, JT Simonelli, Zach White, Joe Siervo, Thomas Marsala III, Rocco Garza Gongora, Chayton Fischer and Dan Hlad added depth to the lineup and defensive effort.
Northwestern State University, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Stephen F. Austin State University and Lamar University all remain central to the conference’s competitive landscape as the tournament progresses.