University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
UL Softball All-Access
2/17/2011 9:46:00 PM | Softball
Looking Back at Opening Weekend
YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF OPENING WEEKEND
Stefni Lotief - Co-Head Coach
It was a great start. The softball season is a marathon, so it was just that, a start and I must say a great one. We saw some great hitting, pitching and defense. We are hoping to build on the momentum and the energy that was present this weekend. It was amazing. I would love to replicate it every weekend. The team was so excited to play in front of the Cajun fans that I almost didn't feel the cold weather on Friday, but when the sun came out on Saturday, along with the football team, it was an indescribable environment. You could feel the energy in the stadium (Lamson Park), from your head to your toes! WOW!!! I love that feeling.
Jensen Tydelski - Sophomore - OF - Pearland, Texas. - Pearland HS
I think opening weekend was fun and full of spirit. We came out ready and played the game well even though a lot more can be improved. The fans were great and gave off such a caring environment.
FAVORITE MOMENT OF OPENING WEEKEND
Stefni Lotief
The team taking the field for the first time with the new stadium standing, the best fans in the country in the stands, the new locker room next to us and Courtney Trahan's voice in her rendition of the National Anthem; while watching the United States, State of Louisiana, and the University of Louisiana's flags flying. It gave me chill bumps.
Callie Philen - Sophomore - UT - Boyce, La. - Alexandria Senior HS
First inning of the Arkansas game. Attacking from the first pitch to put them down 6 runs early, giving us the momentum to come out with another big win.
BEST MEMORY OF OPENING WEEKEND
Stefni Lotief
Ceremonial first pitches being thrown out by Dr. Jay Culotta, longtime UL Athletic Donor and Philanthropist, which led to back to back perfect games by freshmen pitchers, Christina Hamilton and Shelbee Rodgers, in their college debuts; Mark Hutchinson, former UL baseball player and co-owner of Pete's on Johnston which led to Gabby Bridges becoming the first Ragin' Cajun to hit three home runs in a single game; and All- American Ladarius Green representing the Cajun football team, in which the entire football team was in attendance, in Ashley Brignac's first game back from injury as the Cajuns defeated Arkansas 14-1.
Jensen Tydelski
Very intense games and the team really came out prepared for the entire weekend. The new stadium, the crowds, just everything put together and finally being able to open the season and having some early season success with all of my teammates and coaches. Getting wins in that environment was awesome, and watching Gabby go off like she did was definitely something I'll never forget. I could not have been more proud of our entire team.
THINGS TO WORK ON
Callie Philen
Staying intense and focused every single pitch of every game. Also, when someone goes down with an injury, someone has to be ready to step up.
THOUGHTS ON WINNING CHAMPIONSHIP ON OPENING WEEKEND
Stefni Lotief
A championship trophy is held by a team. A team that believes together, works together, and dreams together. The 2011 Ragin' Cajuns softball team has these attributes and will need to stay focused on continuous improvement throughout the season. We are a work in progress and together are trying to reach our goals and live out our dreams.
Callie Philen
The championship was well earned by the entire team. The team was very well prepared to have the success we had winning the championship.
We just need to continue to work on the all of the things we've been working on and just continue to get better each day. Adding depth, improvement in all phases of the game, and being more consistent in our execution are things we can and will improve on.
