Softball: UL in Women’s College World Series

Bob Heist • bheist@theadvertiser.com • May 25, 2008 

HOUSTON — The cheers echoed down Scott Street, much like Vanessa Soto’s second home run on a steamy Saturday in Texas.

“Ragin’ Cajuns!” “Ragin’ Cajuns!”
And so it is for the UL softball team, which earned a trip to the College World Series following a 4-0 win over Houston in the if-necessary game of the Super Regional series at Cougar Softball Stadium.

It was a roller-coaster day for UL, which was ambushed for six runs in the sixth inning of Saturday’s first game, losing 6-3. After the Cajuns had won 6-4 in the series opener on Friday night, that forced the if-necessary round in the best-of-three series.

There was never a doubt with the money on the table, though.
Freshman Ashley Brignac (30-6) threw a brilliant two-hitter for her 25th complete game and 13th shutout of the season. The only run Brignac needed came in the first inning when Soto launched a solo homer over the hill outside the fence in left-center field. It rolled out onto the sidewalk along Scott Street, which runs behind the stadium.

The schedule won’t be announced until today following the conclusion of Super Regional play, though UL’s (51-13) first game will be against national top seed Florida (67-3), which tied the NCAA record for wins in a season after beating California on Saturday.

UL fans came in droves and were the main reason Houston enjoyed a record attendance of 2,340 over the two days.

“This is a great day for softball, for Lafayette and for women’s sports,” said Becky Prejean, whose daughter Monique is a redshirt freshman from Teurlings Catholic on the team. “Let me tell you, this awesome – look at this.”

“They represent what’s coming up and they set an example for all these young girls you see here that anything’s possible,” Prejean added. “They’re proof that if you reach for the stars, you just might get one.”