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People SearchFind an individual who either played a sport or was a member of a support group. Search by last name by clicking on the first letter of the person's last name.
Ms. Vanessa Soto
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Home Phone: -- Softball: Soto’s dreams come true at UL Bob Heist • bheist@theadvertiser.com • May 25, 2008 HOUSTON – Vanessa Soto had a crooked smile leaking from under her sweat-drenched cap and rubbed three fingers together as a gesture to answer the question. “It’s money time,” the Cajuns’ senior second baseman said with a wink. She won’t say it, but that sure has to sound sweet after being released by LSU last May following three standout seasons for the Tigers. And it isn’t necessarily sweet because Soto never qualified for a World Series with LSU. Or that she helped eliminate the Tigers with a big weekend at the Baton Rouge Regional. Or … Well, let’s be honest – of course, that’s why this whole thing is so sweet for the west coast girl from San Diego who’s found a home on the bayou. “I’m just very lucky to have the coaches and the teammates and the fans that I have now,” Soto said after going 4-for-7 with two home runs in the two games against Houston on Saturday to settle the Super Regional at jam-packed Cougar Softball Stadium. “This moment is so special to me, but it’s because of my teammates. I can’t explain it.” But what an exclamation point Soto put on one of the greatest postseasons in program history. While an epic collapse in the sixth inning of Saturday’s first game allowed Houston to force the if-necessary round following a 6-3 win, Soto went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs off the Cougars’ All-American candidate Angel Shamblin. She gave UL a 1-0 lead in the series’ third game with a home run in the second inning that cleared the hill that sits outside the fence in left-center field. The ball rolled onto the sidewalk along adjacent Scott Street. “Wow,” was how freshman pitcher Ashley Brignac described the drive. Soto then singled to start the fifth inning, setting the stage for Holly Tankersley’s two-run homer that pushed the Cajuns ahead 3-0. Together, batting No. 2 and 3 in the lineup, the two seniors both went 4-for-7 on the day with two home runs and a combined seven RBIs. In the series, it’s nearly impossible to separate how well Soto and Tankersley played. They were both 5-for-11, scored three runs and hit two homers. The only difference was Tankersley had four RBIs and Soto three. “They’re both money players; I think they both feel the moment,” UL coach Stefni Lotief said. “That’s what you love about great athletes – they feel the moment, they know when the occasion’s big, and they step it up and carry you.” Tankersley’s name is scattered throughout the UL record book, and this trip to the World Series completes the circle that joins her with the legendary names in Ragin’ Cajuns softball history. “This is what you dream about when you’re 5 years old and start playing softball,” said Tankersley. “This is a dream we’ve all had and a goal we’ve all worked toward. This is incredible.” But what’s incredible is the personal journey Soto’s been on. It came to light last weekend in Baton Rouge when she tore up the Tigers in two games, going 5-for-10 with three RBIs and three extra-base hits. In the regional, she went 7-for-13 with the two RBIs that beat East Carolina, 2-1, in the opener. And now the trip to Houston. Think about where Soto was a year ago after Yvette Giouard gave her walking papers out of Baton Rouge. And now think where she is this postseason – batting .500 (12-for-24) with eight RBIs, five extra-base hits and two homers in six NCAA tournament games. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of special individual performances that have carried UL back to the World Series. But the one constant is the LSU misfit who was accepted in Lafayette and then made good on the opportunity. “I’m thankful,” Soto said as tears began to run down her cheeks. “Just to have this opportunity to be in the World Series is every kid’s dream. But for the opportunity to be with this team and these teammates – I’m just so thankful.” * * * * * * * * * * * *
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