http://www.ragincajuns.com/news/2015/2/2...52349.aspx

LAFAYETTE – The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns softball team joined the Top 5 of the USA Today/NFCA Top 25 poll for the first time since 2012, marking a climb in the poll for a third straight week. 

USA Today/NFCA Coaches poll and ESPN.com/USA Softball poll
http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/softball/d1

The Ragin' Cajuns (14-0), who debuted at No. 9 in the preseason rankings, landed at No. 5 in this week's NFCA Top 25 poll.  It is Louisiana's highest ranking since coming in at No. 5 in the May 1, 2012 poll. 

Since the season's opening weekend, Louisiana has risen to No. 7 (Feb. 10), No. 6 (Feb. 17) to current No. 5 (Feb. 24), in succession. 

Michael Lotief's squad remained at No. 6 in the ESPN.com/USA Softball poll. It's the second straight week at No. 6 and third straight week as a member of the Top 10 (preseason ranked No. 9).

Christina Hamilton's effectiveness as both a reliever and starter during the Ragin' Cajuns Invitational for the No. 6 Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns softball team landed her this week's Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Week honor. Over three appearances, the All-American and reigning Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Year totaled 14 2/3 innings pitched and limited opponents to one run off six hits and struck out 10. It's the second straight week a Cajuns hurler claimed the award (Jordan Wallace, Feb. 16). For Hamilton, she picked up her fourth career honor.

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The USA Jaguar Softball team dropped from #22 to #24 in the NFCA poll and remained at #24 in the ESPN.com poll after going 3-1 for the weekend.

http://www.usajaguars.com/news/2015/2/23...h=softball

NEW ORLEANS, La. – No. 24 University of South Alabama softball senior Kaitlyn Griffith was named Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week after she led the Jaguars to four wins in five games with nine RBI and a .933 slugging percentage, the league office announced on Monday.

 The honor marks USA's second in three voting periods this season, after freshman Devin Brown was selected as SBC Pitcher of the Week on Feb. 9. Griffith batted .467 (7-for-15) in five games last week, supplying nine RBI and four runs, including two home runs and a sacrifice fly.

Griffith tied a pair of South Alabama game records in USA's 14-6, run-rule victory over 2014 Mid-American Conference champion Ball State when she supplied two home runs and recorded a career-high six RBI. The performance marked the most RBI in a game since former Jaguar standout Britany Campbell drove in six versus Southeast Louisiana on March 7, 2012. Griffith also drew a two-out walk with loaded bases for USA's go-ahead run vs. Nicholls. The Centre, Ala., native is currently tied for the team lead in RBI with 13 in 14 games this season. Griffith moved into a tie for fifth in career home runs at USA last weekend.

Much deserved for the Lady Cajuns. They look really good so far.

USA has relied on freshmen pitching, as ace pitcher Farish Beard has suffered an injury and has only made one appearance. I hope she's ready to go by time conference season rolls around! Freshmen Devin Brown has recorded 97 strikeouts in 49 innings pitches this far this season in her stead. She looks like she can be a good one.

(02-24-2015 06:07 PM)SkullyMaroo Wrote:  Much deserved for the Lady Cajuns. They look really good so far.

USA has relied on freshmen pitching, as ace pitcher Farish Beard has suffered an injury and has only made one appearance. I hope she's ready to go by time conference season rolls around! Freshmen Devin Brown has recorded 97 strikeouts in 49 innings pitches this far this season in her stead. She looks like she can be a good one.

One thing about the Cajuns this year is that we have 4 girls that can pitch. We have a really good Freshman and sophomore along with All-American Christina Hamilton and Jordan Wallace who was our Ace until suffering an injury a couple of years ago but she seems to be better than ever this year. So we really have 2 Ace pitchers that makes it nice.

We are outscoring teams 121-7 using all 4 pitchers.

The real test will be this weekend's 3 game series against #4 Alabama and then #24 USA in Mobile the next weekend. I wonder who will pitch for USA against UL

I have a feeling Farish might be back for the Louisiana series, but I'm sure we will see Devin Brown (freshman), and probably Kalen McGill (freshman) too. It's possible that Kaleigh Floore (senior) could see some relief innings. Facing Louisiana will be a stiff test for these young pitchers (and Farish).

(02-24-2015 10:23 PM)SkullyMaroo Wrote:  I have a feeling Farish might be back for the Louisiana series, but I'm sure we will see Devin Brown (freshman), and probably Kalen McGill (freshman) too. It's possible that Kaleigh Floore (senior) could see some relief innings. Facing Louisiana will be a stiff test for these young pitchers (and Farish).

I think the Cajuns have a better hitting team this year than last years World Series team. I'm curious how they will do when they face a really good pitcher. I'm sure we will find out this weekend.

We didn't play in any big time tournaments like we usually do, such as the Judy Garman tournament in Fullerton or the NFCA Lead-off Classic which has the Nations top teams. The 3 tournaments we played in were tournaments we hosted

(02-24-2015 11:05 PM)IdahoCajun Wrote:  

(02-24-2015 10:23 PM)SkullyMaroo Wrote:  I have a feeling Farish might be back for the Louisiana series, but I'm sure we will see Devin Brown (freshman), and probably Kalen McGill (freshman) too. It's possible that Kaleigh Floore (senior) could see some relief innings. Facing Louisiana will be a stiff test for these young pitchers (and Farish).

I think the Cajuns have a better hitting team this year than last years World Series team. I'm curious how they will do when they face a really good pitcher. I'm sure we will find out this weekend.

We didn't play in any big time tournaments like we usually do, such as the Judy Garman tournament in Fullerton or the NFCA Lead-off Classic which has the Nations top teams. The 3 tournaments we played in were tournaments we hosted

Is there a reason for that? We have been attending those tournaments for years.

(02-25-2015 12:43 PM)geauxcajuns Wrote:  

(02-24-2015 11:05 PM)IdahoCajun Wrote:  

(02-24-2015 10:23 PM)SkullyMaroo Wrote:  I have a feeling Farish might be back for the Louisiana series, but I'm sure we will see Devin Brown (freshman), and probably Kalen McGill (freshman) too. It's possible that Kaleigh Floore (senior) could see some relief innings. Facing Louisiana will be a stiff test for these young pitchers (and Farish).

I think the Cajuns have a better hitting team this year than last years World Series team. I'm curious how they will do when they face a really good pitcher. I'm sure we will find out this weekend.

We didn't play in any big time tournaments like we usually do, such as the Judy Garman tournament in Fullerton or the NFCA Lead-off Classic which has the Nations top teams. The 3 tournaments we played in were tournaments we hosted

Is there a reason for that? We have been attending those tournaments for years.

We quit the Judy Garmin 4-5 years back when one of our conference mates wouldn't work with us on the schedule to allow us the travel time required. The NFCA Leadoff Classic (Clearwater FL) that we played in for the past few years was cancelled for this year. They still had the Citrus Classic at ESPN/Disney in Orlando but I don't think we played in that one last year but did the year before.

(02-25-2015 12:50 PM)CajunAmos Wrote:  

(02-25-2015 12:43 PM)geauxcajuns Wrote:  

(02-24-2015 11:05 PM)IdahoCajun Wrote:  

(02-24-2015 10:23 PM)SkullyMaroo Wrote:  I have a feeling Farish might be back for the Louisiana series, but I'm sure we will see Devin Brown (freshman), and probably Kalen McGill (freshman) too. It's possible that Kaleigh Floore (senior) could see some relief innings. Facing Louisiana will be a stiff test for these young pitchers (and Farish).

I think the Cajuns have a better hitting team this year than last years World Series team. I'm curious how they will do when they face a really good pitcher. I'm sure we will find out this weekend.

We didn't play in any big time tournaments like we usually do, such as the Judy Garman tournament in Fullerton or the NFCA Lead-off Classic which has the Nations top teams. The 3 tournaments we played in were tournaments we hosted

Is there a reason for that? We have been attending those tournaments for years.

We quit the Judy Garmin 4-5 years back when one of our conference mates wouldn't work with us on the schedule to allow us the travel time required. The NFCA Leadoff Classic (Clearwater FL) that we played in for the past few years was cancelled for this year. They still had the Citrus Classic at ESPN/Disney in Orlando but I don't think we played in that one last year but did the year before.

The Judy Garmen ordeal involved South Al and the Sun Belt office.

Anyone else notice there are only two G5's represented in the Top 25 and they're both from the Sunbelt?

(02-25-2015 03:32 PM)CajunFanatico Wrote:  Anyone else notice there are only two G5's represented in the Top 25 and they're both from the Sunbelt?

UCF is G5. They are in the AAC.

(02-25-2015 12:53 PM)geauxcajuns Wrote:  

(02-25-2015 12:50 PM)CajunAmos Wrote:  

(02-25-2015 12:43 PM)geauxcajuns Wrote:  

(02-24-2015 11:05 PM)IdahoCajun Wrote:  

(02-24-2015 10:23 PM)SkullyMaroo Wrote:  I have a feeling Farish might be back for the Louisiana series, but I'm sure we will see Devin Brown (freshman), and probably Kalen McGill (freshman) too. It's possible that Kaleigh Floore (senior) could see some relief innings. Facing Louisiana will be a stiff test for these young pitchers (and Farish).

I think the Cajuns have a better hitting team this year than last years World Series team. I'm curious how they will do when they face a really good pitcher. I'm sure we will find out this weekend.

We didn't play in any big time tournaments like we usually do, such as the Judi Garman tournament in Fullerton or the NFCA Lead-off Classic which has the Nations top teams. The 3 tournaments we played in were tournaments we hosted

Is there a reason for that? We have been attending those tournaments for years.

We quit the Judi Garman 4-5 years back when one of our conference mates wouldn't work with us on the schedule to allow us the travel time required. The NFCA Leadoff Classic (Clearwater FL) that we played in for the past few years was cancelled for this year. They still had the Citrus Classic at ESPN/Disney in Orlando but I don't think we played in that one last year but did the year before.

The Judi Garman ordeal involved South Al and the Sun Belt office.

Cajuns actually quit the JG more because they couldn't get any games against PAC12 schools, which was the only reason to go. The Leadoff schedule has been adjusted to where there will be 2 or 3 divisions playing each year. Division 1 is due up again in 2 years and the Cajuns will be offered. Not certain CC is totally out of the picture, the series against Alabama was a more attractive option for this year.

Decision was totally in the hands of Becky Clark.

(02-25-2015 09:21 PM)lcitsh Wrote:  

(02-25-2015 12:53 PM)geauxcajuns Wrote:  

(02-25-2015 12:50 PM)CajunAmos Wrote:  

(02-25-2015 12:43 PM)geauxcajuns Wrote:  

(02-24-2015 11:05 PM)IdahoCajun Wrote:  I think the Cajuns have a better hitting team this year than last years World Series team. I'm curious how they will do when they face a really good pitcher. I'm sure we will find out this weekend.

We didn't play in any big time tournaments like we usually do, such as the Judi Garman tournament in Fullerton or the NFCA Lead-off Classic which has the Nations top teams. The 3 tournaments we played in were tournaments we hosted

Is there a reason for that? We have been attending those tournaments for years.

We quit the Judi Garman 4-5 years back when one of our conference mates wouldn't work with us on the schedule to allow us the travel time required. The NFCA Leadoff Classic (Clearwater FL) that we played in for the past few years was cancelled for this year. They still had the Citrus Classic at ESPN/Disney in Orlando but I don't think we played in that one last year but did the year before.

The Judi Garman ordeal involved South Al and the Sun Belt office.

Cajuns actually quit the JG more because they couldn't get any games against PAC12 schools, which was the only reason to go. The Leadoff schedule has been adjusted to where there will be 2 or 3 divisions playing each year. Division 1 is due up again in 2 years and the Cajuns will be offered. Not certain CC is totally out of the picture, the series against Alabama was a more attractive option for this year.

Decision was totally in the hands of Becky Clark.

I wouldn't mind if we investigated going to the Mary Nutter or Kajikawa Classic in future years rather than hosting three tournaments. I would be nice to host two and attend one. JMO

(02-26-2015 09:53 AM)CajunAmos Wrote:  

(02-25-2015 09:21 PM)lcitsh Wrote:  

(02-25-2015 12:53 PM)geauxcajuns Wrote:  

(02-25-2015 12:50 PM)CajunAmos Wrote:  

(02-25-2015 12:43 PM)geauxcajuns Wrote:  Is there a reason for that? We have been attending those tournaments for years.

We quit the Judi Garman 4-5 years back when one of our conference mates wouldn't work with us on the schedule to allow us the travel time required. The NFCA Leadoff Classic (Clearwater FL) that we played in for the past few years was cancelled for this year. They still had the Citrus Classic at ESPN/Disney in Orlando but I don't think we played in that one last year but did the year before.

The Judi Garman ordeal involved South Al and the Sun Belt office.

Cajuns actually quit the JG more because they couldn't get any games against PAC12 schools, which was the only reason to go. The Leadoff schedule has been adjusted to where there will be 2 or 3 divisions playing each year. Division 1 is due up again in 2 years and the Cajuns will be offered. Not certain CC is totally out of the picture, the series against Alabama was a more attractive option for this year.

Decision was totally in the hands of Becky Clark.

I wouldn't mind if we investigated going to the Mary Nutter or Kajikawa Classic in future years rather than hosting three tournaments. I would be nice to host two and attend one. JMO

Mike is finding it easier to get quality rpi matchups apart from these national tournaments, and Lafayette is one of those destinations for cold weather programs to play early season games. Since the conference season is starting earlier than in previous seasons, it's getting tougher to go to the national tournaments, but I'm sure Mike and TJ are exploring all possibilities.

Is the reason that the UTA series is on a Friday/Saturday and Georgia Southern series on the following Monday/Tuesday because of the late season trip to play Oregon?
I just noticed that funky part of the schedule recently.

(02-27-2015 07:42 AM)CajunFan3406 Wrote:  Is the reason that the UTA series is on a Friday/Saturday and Georgia Southern series on the following Monday/Tuesday because of the late season trip to play Oregon?
I just noticed that funky part of the schedule recently.

It's possible. It could also have to do with the fact that Baylor is coming to Lamson on April 10 & 11. Starting next weekend, there are 9 weekends for the 8 conference series. Appalachian State, Troy, Texas-Arlington and ULM are the only ones playing only conference opponents on the weekends once they start conference play. The Cajuns are the only ones playing 2 non-conference opponents on weekends after they start conference play.

(02-27-2015 01:19 PM)lcitsh Wrote:  

(02-27-2015 07:42 AM)CajunFan3406 Wrote:  Is the reason that the UTA series is on a Friday/Saturday and Georgia Southern series on the following Monday/Tuesday because of the late season trip to play Oregon?
I just noticed that funky part of the schedule recently.

It's possible. It could also have to do with the fact that Baylor is coming to Lamson on April 10 & 11. Starting next weekend, there are 9 weekends for the 8 conference series. Appalachian State, Troy, Texas-Arlington and ULM are the only ones playing only conference opponents on the weekends once they start conference play. The Cajuns are the only ones playing 2 non-conference opponents on weekends after they start conference play.

Yea I thought about that Baylor series after I posted.