University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Friday, April 17
Lafayette
6:00 p.m.
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
23-22, 6-10
12
vs
4
Coastal Carolina
22-24, 6-10
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Runs R | Hits H | Errors E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Carolina | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 0 |
| Louisiana | 4 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 13 | 0 |
Relentless Ragin’ Cajuns Roll Past Coastal
4/17/2026 9:56:00 PM | Softball
Louisiana plates runs in all five innings behind Otto, Smith power surge and Marceaux’s four-hit night
LAFAYETTE – The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Softball team's offense didn't let up from the opening inning, producing runs in every frame to power past Coastal Carolina, 12-4, in five innings on Friday, April 17 in the opening game of a Sun Belt Conference series at Yvette Girouard Field at Lamson Park.
The Ragin' Cajuns (23-22, 6-10 SBC) answered an early two-run deficit with relentless production, scoring four runs in the first inning and continuing the surge with four more in the second, two in the third, and single runs in both the fourth and fifth to seal the run-rule victory.
In emphatic fashion, Louisiana laid claim to an early lead in the series with the Chanticleers (22-24, 6-10 SBC) and brought an abrupt end to a season-long, five-game losing streak.
Louisiana's offense was sparked by a dominant trio. Brooke Otto and Emily Smith combined for three home runs and seven RBI, while Kennedy Marceaux delivered a perfect 4-for-4 performance at the plate, scoring four times and driving in two more.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After Coastal Carolina struck first on a two-run home run in the top of the first, Louisiana wasted no time responding. Otto launched a two-run homer to even the score before Smith followed later in the inning with a two-run shot of her own, giving the Ragin' Cajuns a 4-2 advantage.
The momentum only grew in the second inning.
Marceaux sparked the rally with an RBI single before Otto struck again, crushing her second home run of the game – a three-run blast – to extend the lead to 8-2.
Louisiana continued to apply pressure in the third inning, with Marceaux doubling in a run and Lillian Soto adding an RBI single to increase the advantage to the magical eight-run mark.
Coastal chipped away in the fourth with a two-out, two-run single from Georgia Hood but Sage Hoover buckled down to strand two runners and keep the Chants off in the distance.
The Ragin' Cajuns got the runs back quickly to ensure an early night. Dayzja Williams delivered an RBI single in the fourth, then in the fifth inning Haley Hart provided the walk-off tally.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Marceaux set the tone throughout, reaching base in all four at-bats and consistently igniting rallies at the top of the order. Her four hits marked a career-high tally, extended her SBC play hitting streak to 11 games and increased her conference play batting average to .471 (24-of-51).
Otto finished 2-for-3 with two home runs and five RBI, the long balls pushing her season total into double figures (11) and the run production stretching her team-leading RBI total into the 40s (42 RBI).
Smith added two hits, including her seventh home run of the season. She enjoyed her first multiple-hit outing since March 8 vs. Abilene Christian.
In the circle, Hoover (8-9) earned the complete-game victory, allowing four runs on seven hits while striking out four over five innings. Her performance was highlighted by back-to-back scoreless innings pitched after the Ragin' Cajuns grabbed hold of the lead.
Louisiana's ability to answer immediately and sustain pressure inning after inning proved decisive, as the Cajuns tallied 13 hits – the highest output since reaching mark twice vs. Abilene Christian in early March – and never allowed Coastal Carolina to regain control after the opening frame.
UP NEXT FOR LOUISIANA
Louisiana and Coastal Carolina continue their Sun Belt series on Saturday, April 18 in a 2:00 p.m. contest at Yvette Girouard Field at Lamson Park.
The Ragin' Cajuns get the first of two opportunities to capture the series victory over the Chanticleers.
UL Softball continues its Louisiana Salutes and Alumni Weekend celebration. Those who have served, or are currently serving in the military, can receive special ticket rates through Vet Tix and receive free beer and popcorn (with valid military ID).
Saturday's matchup will be televised on ESPN+ with Dan McDonald and Dawson Eiserloh calling the action. Fans can listen to the radio broadcast on The GOAT 103.3 FM and 1420 AM in the Acadiana region and worldwide on Varsity Network with Cody Junot (pxp) and Bobby Neveaux (analyst) providing commentary.
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 encouraged to stay engaged with the Ragin' Cajuns by downloading the #GeauxCajuns app. Click here for iOS/Apple platforms and here for Android platforms.
Louisiana Softball season and single-game tickets are currently on sale, outfield general admission seating only, available for purchase online at RaginCajuns.com/tickets or by calling the Louisiana Athletics Ticket Office at (337) 482-GoUL (4685). Fans can support the softball student athletes, and invest in the program's future, through The Cajuns Edge Fund (click here) to contribute directly to the Louisiana Athletics and Ragin' Cajuns Athletic Foundation's revenue-sharing initiative or by joining the Centerfield Club (click here).
The Ragin' Cajuns (23-22, 6-10 SBC) answered an early two-run deficit with relentless production, scoring four runs in the first inning and continuing the surge with four more in the second, two in the third, and single runs in both the fourth and fifth to seal the run-rule victory.
In emphatic fashion, Louisiana laid claim to an early lead in the series with the Chanticleers (22-24, 6-10 SBC) and brought an abrupt end to a season-long, five-game losing streak.
Louisiana's offense was sparked by a dominant trio. Brooke Otto and Emily Smith combined for three home runs and seven RBI, while Kennedy Marceaux delivered a perfect 4-for-4 performance at the plate, scoring four times and driving in two more.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After Coastal Carolina struck first on a two-run home run in the top of the first, Louisiana wasted no time responding. Otto launched a two-run homer to even the score before Smith followed later in the inning with a two-run shot of her own, giving the Ragin' Cajuns a 4-2 advantage.
The momentum only grew in the second inning.
Marceaux sparked the rally with an RBI single before Otto struck again, crushing her second home run of the game – a three-run blast – to extend the lead to 8-2.
Louisiana continued to apply pressure in the third inning, with Marceaux doubling in a run and Lillian Soto adding an RBI single to increase the advantage to the magical eight-run mark.
Coastal chipped away in the fourth with a two-out, two-run single from Georgia Hood but Sage Hoover buckled down to strand two runners and keep the Chants off in the distance.
The Ragin' Cajuns got the runs back quickly to ensure an early night. Dayzja Williams delivered an RBI single in the fourth, then in the fifth inning Haley Hart provided the walk-off tally.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Marceaux set the tone throughout, reaching base in all four at-bats and consistently igniting rallies at the top of the order. Her four hits marked a career-high tally, extended her SBC play hitting streak to 11 games and increased her conference play batting average to .471 (24-of-51).
Otto finished 2-for-3 with two home runs and five RBI, the long balls pushing her season total into double figures (11) and the run production stretching her team-leading RBI total into the 40s (42 RBI).
Smith added two hits, including her seventh home run of the season. She enjoyed her first multiple-hit outing since March 8 vs. Abilene Christian.
In the circle, Hoover (8-9) earned the complete-game victory, allowing four runs on seven hits while striking out four over five innings. Her performance was highlighted by back-to-back scoreless innings pitched after the Ragin' Cajuns grabbed hold of the lead.
Louisiana's ability to answer immediately and sustain pressure inning after inning proved decisive, as the Cajuns tallied 13 hits – the highest output since reaching mark twice vs. Abilene Christian in early March – and never allowed Coastal Carolina to regain control after the opening frame.
UP NEXT FOR LOUISIANA
Louisiana and Coastal Carolina continue their Sun Belt series on Saturday, April 18 in a 2:00 p.m. contest at Yvette Girouard Field at Lamson Park.
The Ragin' Cajuns get the first of two opportunities to capture the series victory over the Chanticleers.
UL Softball continues its Louisiana Salutes and Alumni Weekend celebration. Those who have served, or are currently serving in the military, can receive special ticket rates through Vet Tix and receive free beer and popcorn (with valid military ID).
Saturday's matchup will be televised on ESPN+ with Dan McDonald and Dawson Eiserloh calling the action. Fans can listen to the radio broadcast on The GOAT 103.3 FM and 1420 AM in the Acadiana region and worldwide on Varsity Network with Cody Junot (pxp) and Bobby Neveaux (analyst) providing commentary.
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 encouraged to stay engaged with the Ragin' Cajuns by downloading the #GeauxCajuns app. Click here for iOS/Apple platforms and here for Android platforms.
Louisiana Softball season and single-game tickets are currently on sale, outfield general admission seating only, available for purchase online at RaginCajuns.com/tickets or by calling the Louisiana Athletics Ticket Office at (337) 482-GoUL (4685). Fans can support the softball student athletes, and invest in the program's future, through The Cajuns Edge Fund (click here) to contribute directly to the Louisiana Athletics and Ragin' Cajuns Athletic Foundation's revenue-sharing initiative or by joining the Centerfield Club (click here).
- www.RaginCajuns.com -
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Hoover, Sage (8-9)
L: McKennah Metzger (4-3)
Batting:
HR: Georgia Hood 1
RBI: Georgia Hood 4
Base Running:
RUNS: Delaney Keith 1 ; Georgia Hood 1 ; Izzy Ramirez 1 ; Clara Hudgens 1
Batting:
2B: Marceaux, Kennedy 1 ; Smith, Emily 1
HR: Otto, Brooke 2 ; Smith, Emily 1
RBI: Marceaux, Kennedy 2 ; Soto, Lillian 1 ; Otto, Brooke 5 ; Hart, Haley 1 ; Smith, Emily 2 ; Williams, Dayzja 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Marceaux, Kennedy 4 ; Liscano, Mia 1 ; Otto, Brooke 2 ; Knox, Lily 1 ; Smith, Emily 1 ; Ferguson, McKayla 1 ; Ardoin, Erin 1 ; Williams, Dayzja 1
SB: Liscano, Mia 1 ; Otto, Brooke 1 ; Ferguson, McKayla 1
Game Leaders
AB
4
R
4
H
4
RBI
2
AB
3
R
2
H
2
RBI
5
AB
3
R
1
H
2
RBI
2
AB
2
R
1
H
1
RBI
0
Players Mentioned
IF
/ Softball
P
/ SoftballIF
/ SoftballIF
/ SoftballIF
/ Softball
IF
/ Softball
OF
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