Softball: Lamb takes pressure off Cajuns with second no-hitter + Fordham game photo gallery

Nick Fontenot, Special to The Advertiser, Feb. 10, 2019

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In Saturday’s 21-0 win over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, UL coach Gerry Glasco said he was presented a situation he had never been through in his career.

His freshman pitcher, Kandra Lamb, was on the verge of her second no-hitter in as many days. The Cajuns’ offense exploded in the first two innings, scoring seven runs in the first inning and four more in the second.

“I didn’t know what to do,” Glasco said. “I had a no-hitter from my pitcher and I hate to pull her off and get our defense messed up. I also know there’s a limit (on showing up the opponent). I’ve never been in a situation where I didn’t know what to do.”

Glasco said he just decided to let his team play.

The Cajuns got home runs from Alissa Dalton, Julie Rawls and Lexie Comeaux; Rawls and Dalton each drove in six runs. Glasco said it’s been fun watching the offense over the last three games.

“I think it’s important to let them have fun,” Glasco said. “They’ve been through a lot and really worked hard. I think a lot of the emotion is coming out now.”

MORE: UL’s Glasco ‘selfless’ response after loss of daughter an inspiration

Dalton broke out of a mini slump Saturday, going 3-for-3, reaching base on all four of her plate appearances and scoring four runs. Dalton, who hit out of the 6-hole again, said Glasco had encouraging words for her during her early season woes.

“Coach pulled me aside and said, ‘You’re thinking too much; you’re trying too hard.’ He was right completely. He told me to relax and do what I do.

"I think that’s what moving me down and up does. Hitters that are hot and need to be hitting higher. I’m just taking care of my job and taking advantage of the opportunities I am very grateful for.”

As for Lamb, an exciting beginning to her Cajuns’ career with two no-hitters and a combined 16 strikeouts in two starts. Lamb said she never envisioned her career beginning this way.

MORE: Cajuns’ offensive train picks up steam in doubleheader

“When I came in here, I knew my job was just to let my team do the work,” Lamb said. “Coming in here and throwing two no-hitters in my first two starts — I kind of don’t believe it’s happened yet.”

Glasco said a game like Lamb had Saturday takes pressure off the whole team. He said knowing she can pitch at this level is a tremendous confidence-builder for the team moving forward.

“It takes pressure off the offense when the pitcher is doing what she does,” Glasco said. “When she’s out there getting strikeouts, it takes the pressure off your defense. Anytime you have a pitcher throwing well, it’s a great thing. Now we know she can pitch in college, and that is a good thing to have in your dugout.”