Softball: Cajuns Slug Way Past James Madison, Win NFCA Leadoff Classic
Clearwater, Fla. – Shellie Landry homered in her first at bat of the game and her last at bat of the game en route to a 3-for-3 day with two home runs and four RBI, leading the Cajuns to a 9-1 victory over James Madison and ultimately, the NFC Lead Off Title for the second year in a row. Landry was also named to the All-Tournament team, along with teammate Brianna Cherry.
“As a whole, our team had a great mindset.” Head coach Megan Granger said after the weekend. “The girls played hard and constantly made adjustments throughout the weekend. We faced tough competition and were able to overcome a little bit of adversity.”
As has been the trend all season, the Cajuns scored early, plating two runs in the second inning. This time it was Landry’s first home run of the game that put the Cajuns up. The home run was after a Matte Haack double, and Landry’s 18th and 19th RBI of the season.
The Cajuns added to the lead in the fourth by playing some small-ball. With Landry and first and Walsh on third, the Cajuns ran a successful double steal to score the run.
James Madison answered with their lone run in the fifth. They scored by way of an infield single with runners on first and second and heads up base running by the lead runner. It wouldn’t be enough, however, with the Cajuns adding six more runs in the fifth and sixth inning.
Shellie Landry struck again in the fifth after a Nerissa Myers RBI double and a Cherry RBI single. The freshman hit her fifth home run of the season and second of the day, this one to the opposite field. The home run gave her 20 and 21 RBI on the season to cap off a four-run fifth inning. She now leads the team in runs batted in.
The Cajuns scored two more in the sixth inning, to give them the eight-run mercy rule, and clinch the tournament title.
Jordan Wallace displayed another fine pitching performance for the Cajuns, tossing a complete game, allowing one unearned run on four hits and one walk, while striking out four batters. She now has eight wins on the season and 74 strikeouts in 53.0 innings.
The Cajuns went 4-1 in the tournament and were named tournament Champions by way of the lowest run differential. Michigan, Central Florida and DePaul all went 4-1 as well, including the Cajuns.
Landry and Cherry were both named to the All-Tournament team with their great performances. Cherry went 4-for-13 with 6 RBI, four runs scored and two home runs, and Landry went 4-for-13 with four RBI and two home runs.
The Cajuns won last season’s NFCA Leadoff Classic as well, going 5-0, defeating Mississippi State, Hofstra, Boston University, Michigan and Winthrop.
“I’m proud of our team thus far in the season.” Granger said. “Hopefully we continue to stay at it day-by-day, working to get better.”
The Cajuns will return home for one game, Wednesday, Feb. 27th against Southern University at 7:00 P.M. The Cajuns will then travel back to Florida for five games in the Diamond 9 Citrus Classic. At the Citrus Classic, the Cajuns will take on Pittsburgh, #10 Texas A&M, #5 Texas, the College of Charleston and Illinois State.
— Ragin’ Cajuns —
Nick Ross
Sports Information Assistant
University of Louisiana-Lafayette
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