Softball – Motivated: Brignac snub among issues getting UL focused in 2012

Kevin Foote, Daily Advertiser, Feb. 7, 2012

A little extra motivation is never a bad thing for a coach to have in the bullpen.

So if some issues arise that help to give players — especially the top performers — a little bigger chip on their shoulders, so much the better.

Take the 2012 Softball Preseason All-Sun Belt team, for example.

A year ago, UL pitcher Ashley Brignac was the Sun Belt Pitcher of the Year as a junior. Now prior to her senior season, not only was Brignac not the preseason Pitcher of the Year, but she wasn’t even one of the two pitchers on the squad voted on by the league’s coaches.

Instead, South Alabama’s Hannah Campbell and Florida Atlantic’s Taylor Fawbush were recognized.

For the record, Campbell was 19-7 with a 2.51 ERA last season, Fawbush was 14-11 with a 3.02 ERA, while Brignac was 32-7 with a 1.50 ERA.

"When it comes down to voting in softball, we are always going to end up with the short end," UL co-head coach Michael Lotief said. "I never understand how they think. I’m just glad the championship is decided on the field."

Lotief, who admitted he’ll have no problem reminding Brignac of her omission during the course of the season, said the health of Brignac’s shoulder should not be any reason for overlooking her.

"She’s good to go," he said.

While Brignac didn’t make the preseason team, shortstop Nerissa Myers, utility star Christi Orgeron and outfielder Katie Smith were included.

That trio and the rest of their Cajun teammates will begin the process of trying to make the postseason All-Sun Belt team when the 2012 season begins on Friday with the 26th Annual Louisiana Classics Tournament at Lamson Park.

UL will play a 1:30 doubleheader on Friday, a 4 p.m. doubleheader on Saturday and a noon single game on Sunday.

In addition to Brignac, UL softball fans are expected to get introduced to some of the new arms in the circle this season —especially freshman Jordan Wallace of Weatherford, Texas and Maggie Ham of George West, Texas, not to mention local produce Prophet Gaspard as a Columbia signee after leading St. Thomas More to two state titles.

"Jordan’s a two-time Player of the Year," co-head coach Stefni Lotief said. "She had a great fall. She spins the ball really well. She’s kind of separated herself. She makes them miss. She makes them look funny at times.

"Maggie’s one who rolls up her sleeves and doesn’t back down. And Prophet is a very competitive young lady. I’d say our pitching staff is deep, but very young."

Sophomore returnees Shelbee Rodgers and Allie Chenault are also expected to get some innings this weekend.

So while every pitcher behind Brignac will also be pitching with extra determination just to earn more innings down the road, that mental edge also figures to be prevalent in the everyday lineup as well.

Preseason All-Sun Belt pick at catcher Karavin Dew hit .341 with three homers and 19 RBIs. UL catcher Sarah Draheim strives to make the next step into stardom after hitting .296 with six homers and 52 RBIs.

Arizona transfer Matte Haack comes to UL really trying to prove herself.

"She’s still going through the transition," Michael Lotief said. "She’s very competitive, she’s a good athlete with good hand-eye.

"That’s what you hope (trying to prove critics wrong). I just want to make sure she understands that she’s not settling by playing here. She’s definitely got something to prove."

While the expectations are high for Myers at shortstop, the 5-5 junior has plans of reaching even greater heights this season. Already known as a superior defensive shortstop, coach Michael Lotief is convinced she’ll shine even brighter at the plate.

"She hit for some power in the fall," he said. "I really think she’s going to add that to her game this year."

Even an All-American like Orgeron still practices each day with a chip on her shoulder.

Without Gabby Bridges hitting behind her in the lineup, many are speculating that Orgeron won’t be able to approach last year’s lofty figures of .414 with 23 homers and 101 RBIs.

"If she keeps the same mental edge and the same kind of discipline, her numbers may not show it, but she’ll (get even better)," coach Michael Lotief said. "She’s one of the best hitters in the world."