The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns softball team defeated the Troy Trojans 5-0 in the first round of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament at Lamson Park in Lafayette. With the win, Louisiana advances to the quarterfinals of the SBC Tourney.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
To begin this do or die game for the Cajuns, they opted to start Sage Hoover in the circle. Hoover got off toa great start, retiring the Trojans in order in the top half of the first inning.
Troy responded by starting Abby Lovell, who did not enjoy the same first inning success. After the first two Cajuns reached, she got two outs. However, Cecilia Vasquez delivered a two-run triple, which was followed by an RBI single from Mia Norwood. Those two hits gave the Cajuns the early 3-0 lead.
Hoover was steady in the circle, and Troy went to Ella Cunnungham who settled down the Cajuns’ bats as well. Louisiana did add a run in the fourth, scoring on a wild pitch to make it 4-0.
The Cajuns would tack on one more insurance run in the fifth, making it a 5-0 lead. That was more than enough for Hoover, who went the distance and shut down the Trojans’ offense. Louisiana held on for a 5-0 victory.
BIG NUMBER: 3
The Cajuns got three runs in the very first inning, setting the tone and allowing Hoovee to pitch with confidence. A fast start was critical, and UL answered the call.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Sage Hoover
Louisiana needed a strong outing in the circle, and Hoover was up to the challenge. She went all seven innings, striking out nine and allowing no runs.
UP NEXT: Louisiana will face #1 seed ULM tomorrow at 4:00 PM at Lamson Park in the quarterfinals of the SBC Tourney.