LAKE CHARLES — Brilee Ford's aggressive base running nearly tied the game for No. 2 Southeastern in the sixth inning of Game 3. But after being called trying to reach home, she would get one more chance in the seventh and delivered the biggest hit of her career. 

A walk-off single brought in the game-winning run, lifting the Lions past top-seeded McNeese to win the Southland Conference Championship 6-5. Ford swung in the game-winning run to cap off a three-run frame for Southeastern that saw all three of those scores come across with two outs on the board. 

This is Southeastern's second ever Southland Championship and their second straight, winning this same game a year ago to the day also on a walk-off play. They earn the conference's autobid to the NCAA Softball Championship set to begin at regional sites this week. 

Samantha Mundine made an early statement for McNeese, scoring two on an RBI single in the first, giving the Cowgirls a 2-0 lead. Brylie Fontenot found home plate on a groundout in the second and McNeese then led 3-0. The No. 1 seed would get one more run later in the top of the sixth to extend the margin to 4-0. 

The Lions finally got their bats going in the bottom of the sixth. A Cydnee Schneider RBI single plated two runners, cutting the deficit in half at 4-2. Brilee Broussard would score from third on a wild pitch and the score became 4-3. 

Needing two outs, McNeese forced a Maddie Watson ground out that turned into a double play after Rylie Bouvier fired home to get the out on Brilee Ford who tried to score from second. 

McNeese needed an insurance run to start the seventh and Samantha Mundine would provide it. A single got her on base and she would eventually get to third, tagging home after a Sarah Allen fly out to put the Cowgirls up 5-3. 

Down two runs and staring down two outs, the rally began with Kailey Dixon scoring on a Shelby Morris double though she was initially ruled out at second before a video reviewe determined she was safe. An ensuing Chloe Magee single brought Morris before Ford's heroics eventually delivered the game for the champions. 

The Lions will learn their destination for the upcoming NCAA Regionals during Sunday's selection show set to air at 6 p.m. on ESPN 2. 

All-Tournament Team
Victoria Altamirano, UIW
Molly Vandenbout, NICH 
Rylie Bouvier, McN
Reese Reyna, McN
Sam Mundine, McN
Maddie Taylor, McN
Brilee Ford, SLU 
Cydnee Schneider, SLU
Maria Detillier, SLU
Macie LaRue, SLU 
Lainee Bailey, SLU 
Chloe Magee, SLU (MVP)