Softball: After loss last week, Cajuns claim victory in ‘must-win’ game against Tigers

Nick Fontenot, The Advertiser, Feb. 15, 2020

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The Ragin’ Cajuns’ schedule began to intensify Saturday when LSU visited Lamson Park.

UL coach Gerry Glasco said he told his team if they play well during the schedule gauntlet they are about to face, the North Texas loss last weekend could end up being a blessing in disguise.

Against LSU Saturday, Megan Kleist scattered four hits over the seven innings while striking out five. Sarah Hudek continued to heat up with a solo home run in the second inning and Bailey Curry drove in Alissa Dalton via a sacrifice in the same inning.

The end result was a 2-1 win over LSU in front of the largest crowd in Lamson Park history. It was also Glasco’s 100th career win — all with the Cajuns. Glasco said even though this was only the eighth win of the season, he considered it a must-win.

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“I told the girls if we won some of these big games in this huge stretch against Top 20 ball clubs, that North Texas loss could be the best loss in the world,” Glasco said. “I think it woke us up and made us understand how important it is to get better. I considered this game a must-win and I can breathe a little easy.”

Glasco said he thought Kleist was feeling out the umpire early in the game when she allowed a few base runners and an unearned run. Kleist settled in nicely and began attacking the strike zone, something Glasco said was “fantastic.”

“Early they got some runners on, but I think she was testing the umpire’s zone,” Glasco said. “She came back from a 3-0 count in the fifth and she is a mature, poised pitcher. She knows how to stay calm in the moment. We are lucky to have her and I enjoy watching her pitch from our dugout.”

Kleist said she was moving the ball around and alternating her pitches, but the Tigers were making it difficult early. Kleist said she had played LSU before while at Oregon, but she said none of the atmospheres compared to Saturday night at Lamson.

“No game has ever been like that,” Kleist said. “It’s amazing to see the fan base this program has and it’s an amazing experience to have that kind of support behind you.”

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LSU’s defense flashed their defense multiple times in the game, especially freshman shortstop Taylor Pleasants. Glasco said he expected the Tigers to be sound on defense and he expects them to only get stronger as the season goes on.

“That’s LSU,” he said. “They’re always solid and we hit the ball on the nose several times and they made the play. That’s what you expect. (Pleasants) made some great plays and I think she is only going to get stronger as the season rolls on.

“I’m thankful for (LSU coach Beth) Torina coming over here with her great program and coaching staff. They’re in the SEC. They don’t need us, we need them and Louisiana Fastpitch softball needs this game. This is great for our sport in the state of Louisiana and all hats off to them for making this happen.”

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As for Sunday, Glasco said he wants to see a little more consistency on the base paths from some of the younger players on the team.

Kleist, who will hand the ball to Summer Ellyson when they go to Baton Rouge Sunday, said she wouldn’t change too much about the gameplan.

“We had a lot of players coming in off the bench and I would trust every girl in that dugout,” Kleist said. “We have a lot of depth on this team, and they all produce. We weren’t too happy with the performance last weekend, so coming into this past week, getting those Ws and feeding into today’s W, I think we are ready for Sunday.”