Cajuns Sweep WKU, Win SBC Title

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Ragin’ Cajuns softball team used timely hits and effective relief pitching from Jordan Wallace to complete the sweep of Western Kentucky, 4-2, at the WKU Softball Field in Bowling Green, Ky. on Sunday afternoon.

Ashley Brignac started the game and pitched one inning before Wallace (23-0), relieved her in the second. Wallace tossed six innings of scoreless ball, allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out six WKU (28-23-1, 9-12-1) hitters.

With UL trailing 2-0 after one inning, Paige Cormier tied the game in the second with a two-run double and Brianna Cherry gave the Cajuns a 4-2 lead in the sixth with a two-run single, as Louisiana (44-2, 19-2) extending their winning streak to 10 games.

Natalie Fernandez, who moved into the leadoff spot in the game due to Katie Smith sitting out with an illness, and posted two hits. Cherry and Matte Haack also tallied two base hits in the contest.

“Conference championships are earned,” co-head coach Michael Lotief said. “These kids have answered every challenge in the weight room, battling back from injuries, in the fall practices, in the batting cages, in the classroom and now on the field against conference opponents.

“We were talking yesterday and the fifth-year seniors have now been a part of five conference championships and we all agreed that each year has presented adversity, obstacles and stiff challenges. In order to be the champion of this conference I don’t think people realize how much hard work, sweat and sacrifice it takes. I’m proud of this group, they are truly champions!”

WKU scored first in the opening inning on an RBI double from Karavin Dew and a solo shot from Amanda Walden to capture a 2-0 lead. Kelsie Mattox singled in the inning before scoring on Dew’s double off the left center fence for the first run. Dew was thrown out on the play attempting to advance to third before Walden belted her first homerun of the year.

The Ragin’ Cajuns knotted the game at two in the top of the second on a two-out, two-run double off the bat of Cormier, plating Haack and Megan Granger. Haack singled to lead off the inning and Granger was hit with a pitch, putting runners on first and second for the fifth year senior’s two bagger.

UL gained their first lead of the game on a two-run single by Brianna Cherry to go ahead 4-2 in the sixth. Christi Orgeron and Haack led off the frame with back-to-back singles before Cherry laced a ball to left field later in the inning to score the two Cajuns.

Wallace retired 13 of the final 15 Lady Toppers to complete the sweep and record her 23 consecutive victory of the season.

The Ragin’ Cajuns conclude the regular season against La.- Monroe in a three game series next weekend, May 5-6 at Lamson Park.