Softball: Lexie Elkins Sweeps National Player of the Week Awards

LAFAYETTE – Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns softball senior catcher Lexie Elkins‘ season-opening display of power in Gulf Shores has resulted in national notoriety – in addition to Sun Belt Conference Student-Athlete of the Week honors released earlier on Tuesday – for the two-time All-American slugger.
 
Both the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) and Amateur Softball Association (ASA)/USA Softball bestowed their respective player of the week honor on the Ragin’ Cajuns standout. Elkins was tabbed Louisville/Slugger NFCA Division I National Player of the Week by the NFCA and USA Softball Collegiate National Player of the Week by ASA/USA Softball.
 
This marks the second USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Week award for Elkins, who previously earned the honor in Week 11 of the 2015 season (April 21, 2015). It’s the first NFCA accolade for the Victoria, Texas product.
 
Elkins finished 10-for-15 (.667) at the plate with five home runs and 14 RBI as the Ragin’ Cajuns began the 2016 season with a 5-0 mark. She homered in three of the five contests in the Sand Dollar Classic, wrapping up the tournament against Louisiana Tech by tying a school record with three home runs – the second time in her career she’s accomplished the feat (Apr. 18 at Appalachian State).
 
"I prepared like I would for any other game," said Elkins.  "I know this year that whenever I can’t get it done – just like last year – others are going to be able to step up behind me, so I can play free. Even if I’m unable to do what I want to, there’s no reason to get upset because someone else behind me will have my back.
 
"I’m thankful for the award," Elkins added. "But our goal is to win a National Championship and take it game by game. That’s what I’m focused on."

The two-time Sun Belt Student-Athlete of the Year and reigning Diamond Sports/NFCA Division I Catcher of the Year, Elkins posted three multiple-hit games and four multiple-RBI games during the 2016 season-opening weekend in Gulf Shores. Adding in two doubles, seven of her 10 base hits went for extra bases resulting in a 1.800 slugging percentage.
 
"What Lexie has been able to accomplish, in terms of her performance when she does it, brings recognition – her home run power, incredible hand-eye, competitiveness and pitch recognition," said Louisiana softball head coach Michael Lotief.  "We get to be around her day in and day out and see another side of her. We see how she’s grown as a leader, how hard she works in preparing each day, how she’s a tireless leader and how humble she is every time the spotlight shines on her.
 
"She’s very thankful to her teammates around her, the people in the community and the University that support her. The quality of who she is as a person and how she goes about her business every day, makes her extremely special and unique."
 
No. 7 Louisiana returns to action this weekend for its Lamson Park season debut, hosting the 30th Annual Louisiana Classics tournament Friday-Sunday, Feb. 19-21. The Ragin’ Cajuns start the event with a 2 p.m., doubleheader against No. 5 Oregon on Friday, Feb. 19.
 
Individual game tickets for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns’ 2016 home regular season games at Lamson Park are currently on sale through the Ragin’ Cajuns Ticket Office.  Season ticket packages for all 24 games, starting at $106, remain on sale.
 
For more information on Ragin’ Cajuns softball, fans can follow along with the team on Facebook (/RaginCajunSoftball) and Twitter (@RaginCajunSB).