Softball to Host USSSA Pride of National Fastpitch League

Contact: Nick Ross

LAFAYETTE, La. – The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns softball team will host the USSSA Pride of the National Professional Fastpitch league in an exhibition game on Sunday, September 29 at 2:00 pm. at Lamson Park.

"This is a unique opportunity for our fans to be able to watch the 2014 edition of the Ragin' Cajuns compete against pro softball players and former Olympians," head coach Michael Lotief said.

The game is the first of six contests the Cajuns are slated to host in their fall schedule. They will also get visits from LSU-Alexandria (Oct. 12), Lamar (Oct. 13), Galveston (Oct. 19) and LSU-Eunice (Oct. 23) before finishing their home portion of the fall schedule with an alumni game on November 9.

The Cajuns also travel to Houston for the Spring Klein College Fall Classic on October 5, and McNeese State on October 26.

The Cajuns return junior pitcher Jordan Wallace, who is coming off of one of the best seasons in school history. The sophomore struck out 382 batters in 255.1 innings and held a 1.70 ERA, going 32-9 on the season. She also was named the MVP of the Baton Rouge Regional after tossing 21 shutout innings to lead the Cajuns to the Super Regionals for the second straight year.

Also returning is three-year starter, Natalie Fernandez, who ranked 12^th in the nation in batting average as a sophomore and is currently sixth all-time at Louisiana with a career batting average of .384.

"The game versus USSSA Pride offers us a golden opportunity to get 'championship experience' against the best players in the world," Lotief said.

The Pride's roster boasts some of the best talents in the world, including former Olympians Cat Osterman, Kelly Kretschman, Natasha Watley, Lauren Lappin, and Caitlin Lowe. Their roster also consists of rookies and 2013 All-Americans Blaire Luna, Jessica Shults and Keilani Ricketts.

"Not only will this be a great softball experience, but also an opportunity to fundraise for our softball program," he continued. "The staff has put together a premium package, which includes five tickets, parking pass and access to all players post game for $100. You can purchase your premium package by contacting Lana Bowers in the softball office at (337) 262-2283."

"Also, while we are 'reserving' seats and selling tickets for the USSSA Pride game. We will also be offering advanced seats and parking opportunities for the Alumni game too," Lotief said.

Last year, UL hosted the NPF Back to School Tour, playing the NPF All-Stars and winning 5-4 after a sixth-inning double by Nerissa Myers gave them a lead.

"Last year we had the biggest crowd of all the stops on the NPF tour," Lotief mentioned. "Let's pack the stands and continue to show how this community embraces top notch softball."

Lamson Park has sold out twice since it's renovation, including the Sun Belt Conference tournament in 2011 and the 2012 NCAA Lafayette Regional, where they led all 16 regional sites in attendance with a total of 14,097 over the six games.

-- Ragin' Cajuns --

University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics

Softball to Host USSSA Pride of National Fastpitch League

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