Cajuns Preseason Preparations for 2024 Softball Season Now Underway

LAFAYETTE – The countdown to the 2024 season is officially underway for the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Softball team as the squad began preseason practice at Yvette Girouard Field at Lamson Park on Thursday, January 4.

Back on the practice field for the first time since November, the Ragin' Cajuns have begun their preparations for a season that head coach Gerry Glasco sees tremendous potential in and an has the ability to build upon last season's Super Regional run.

"What excites me the most is the schedule and many early season opportunities that we have in front of us," Glasco said. "Combined with the roster of veteran players that we have, I truly believe we can compete and survive that type of early season schedule."

Louisiana entered Thursday's preseason-opening practice schedule a mere five weeks away from the season opener on Thursday, February 8 vs. Chattanooga at Lamson Park.

For Glasco and his staff, examining every facet of the Cajuns' game will be the main priority to ensure its all-systems go from the onset the second weekend in February.

"We have put an emphasis on defense all fall, and will continue that throughout the spring," Glasco said. "At the end of the fall following our Red and White games we felt our hitting was where it needs to be, but we will continue to work really hard. Pitching is always a key to success in fast pitch softball, and giving Coach (Justin) Robichaux everything he needs to be successful with his pitching staff is a huge priority.

"In general, staying healthy and getting our team ready for an extremely demanding early season schedule is our top priority," Glasco added.

The four-time defending Sun Belt regular season and tournament champion and 2023 NCAA Super Regional participant Ragin' Cajuns are scheduled to play 15 games against Power 5 programs – nearly half of the 32 non-conference games scheduled – during their quest for a 25th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.

The challenging non-conference slate features visits to Lamson Park by California and Baylor, road tournaments at Texas and Oklahoma, all before Sun Belt Conference play begins, plus a midweek home-and-home with LSU – all designed to heighten the Ragin' Cajuns chances of hosting an NCAA Regional at Lamson Park.

ABOUT LOUISIANA
Louisiana (50-16, 22-2 Sun Belt in 2023) is coming off a fourth consecutive Sun Belt Conference regular season and tournament championship, the program's 24th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, a No. 9 RPI rating, a Top 20 finish across the board in all major national polls, and a trip to the NCAA Super Regional round last spring.

With a now veteran-laden roster, as head coach Gerry Glasco's No. 1 recruiting Class of 2022 now enters their junior campaign, plus the key summer transfer additions highlighted by the Florida duo of Lexie Delbrey and Sam Roe, there's plenty reason enough for heightened expectations in the coming spring season.

This season the Ragin' Cajuns welcome a pair of new faces to the coaching staff in defensive coach Hunter Veach and hitting coach Shellie Landry, an All-American alumnae who competed for the program from 2013-16. Their addition provides Glasco with a specific coach for every facet of the game, to go along with pitching coach Justin Robichaux.

FOLLOW THE RAGIN' CAJUNS
Follow the Ragin' Cajuns on Facebook (/RaginCajunsSB), Twitter (@RaginCajunsSB) and Instagram (@Louisiana.SB) to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Louisiana Softball.

Fans are also encouraged to stay engaged with the Ragin' Cajuns by downloading the #GeauxCajuns app. Click here for iOS/Apple platforms and here for Android platforms.

- www.RaginCajuns.com -

Cajuns Preseason Preparations for 2024 Softball Season Now Underway

Players Mentioned

Lexie Delbrey

Sam Roe

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