Lady Cajuns Ranked 17th in Preseason Poll

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Originally Posted by CAJUN_LXA685

_ I'm no women's softball expert, but it seems to me like we slap bunt a whole lot. Just looking back to the series against UCLA, man those girls where just swinging away and crushing the ball and we just keep trying to slap the ball around for a base hit.

I know it is the system of the coaches and it obviously works pretty good considering the success of the program, but seems like in certain situations you would want to swing away more.

Again, no expert just my observation and opinion for what it is worth or not worth. _

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Wait, those were girls?

if you say so....

Z

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Originally Posted by Zeebart21

_ Wait, those were girls?

if you say so....

Z _

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;)

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Originally Posted by CAJUN_LXA685

I'm no women's softball expert, but it seems to me like we slap bunt a whole lot. Just looking back to the series against UCLA, man those girls where just swinging away and crushing the ball and we just keep trying to slap the ball around for a base hit.

I know it is the system of the coaches and it obviously works pretty good considering the success of the program, but seems like in certain situations you would want to swing away more.

Again, no expert just my observation and opinion for what it is worth or not worth.

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Coach Lotief went that route a couple three years back.

Before that his batters were known for the long ball.

I think his hitting philosophy matches the current talent on the team and what's coming out of high school.
igeaux.mobi

And hopefully the new 2011 NCAA rules regarding composite "hot" bats that were grandfathered in to the 2009 regulations, and used by all of the teams in the WCWS (not the Cajuns) will equalize the HR playing field to some degree. I think it may take a year or two of testing and pulling these bats from use, but at least it should put all teams on a level playing field as far as equipment. For those interested, I included a links to the press release, and a copy of the approved bats for 2011.

http://www.nfca.org/news/?id=3545

<center> <a href="http://ftp.nfca.org/2011ncaabattest.pdf" target="_blank">NCAA Bat Test</a> </center>

I guess you can kinda call this sour grapes or spoiled by the success of the program, but I'm unhappy at our ranking in the ESPN/USA poll. It's not our placement, but the fact that they placed us behind LSU & Texas A & M in this poll angers me since we beat them in post season play last season. Ridiculous.

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Originally Posted by lcitsh

_ I guess you can kinda call this sour grapes or spoiled by the success of the program, but I'm unhappy at our ranking in the ESPN/USA poll. It's not our placement, but the fact that they placed us behind LSU & Texas A & M in this poll angers me since we beat them in post season play last season. Ridiculous. _

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I'm sure that was in part to the fact that every single win in the circle from last year is gone. So are five position starters. Even when you factor in Ashley's return, I can understand where they might think those two schools should be ranked higher.

Polls don't REALLY matter. But, it is nice that our University does get National recognition. Our name is out there, somebody does know we exist! It will be nice to be recognized number one at the end of the season when rankings do matter!

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Originally Posted by BirdofParadise

_ I'm sure that was in part to the fact that every single win in the circle from last year is gone. So are five position starters. Even when you factor in Ashley's return, I can understand where they might think those two schools should be ranked higher. _

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Yep, I had forgotten about Vallie. Shame on me. I was thinking about Christi being healthy, Gabby staying hot for her senior season, Katie coming back and Taryn being a help offensively. LSU & TAMU did have excellent recruiting seasons so I guess it is no surprise that they would be ahead of us with so many spots for us to fill on this year's team. I'm glad that these ladies will show everyone how strong they are as the season progresses.

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Originally Posted by BirdofParadise

_ I'm sure that was in part to the fact that every single win in the circle from last year is gone. So are five position starters. Even when you factor in Ashley's return, I can understand where they might think those two schools should be ranked higher. _

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BOP's right. The Cajuns show a lot of promise, but right now, that's all it is. They have to replace Donna and Brittany's wins (and starts), along with Vallie's team-high batting average, Verde's vacuum at third base, Kelly Cormier's defense and leadership and Lana Bowers' power and defensive abilities.

There's no doubt they have the ability to put it all together, but it wouldn't surprise me if it takes a while to get all those new pieces into place.

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Originally Posted by Bunch24

_ BOP's right. The Cajuns show a lot of promise, but right now, that's all it is. They have to replace Donna and Brittany's wins (and starts), along with Vallie's team-high batting average, Verde's vacuum at third base, Kelly Cormier's defense and leadership and Lana Bowers' power and defensive abilities.

There's no doubt they have the ability to put it all together, but it wouldn't surprise me if it takes a while to get all those new pieces into place. _

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Welcome back. Hope you dont get run off until at least after the season :D