Games of Interest 3/7/25 through 3/13/25
This coming week will be of great importance to SBC Softball in general and to UL Softball in particular. Of course we want everyone we have played already to win; but in this post, the focus will be on our games and the games being played by the 8 conference teams that we will play this season.
Our games: These have been discussed already, but it bears repeating that we must win at least 2 of the 5 games we play in this time frame. Anything less than that is not good; anything more is a blessing.
Our conference opponents games [in the order we play them]:
Marshall [RPI 188]: They play 2 each against Loyola [Chicago] and Buffalo and single games against Valpo and Liberty [40]. The first three are very bad. We need Marshall to win all five of the bad games. A win against Liberty would be nice, but isn't happening.
ULM [RPI 60]: This is an interesting case. There is some confusion over the schedule at the North Alabama tournament, but I believe they have Samford [73] twice and one each with N. Alabama [32] and Detroit Mercy [262]. We need them to win at least 3 of these 4. For us, it doesn't matter which 3, but a N. Alabama win would be good for ULM and the conference. If ULM wins all 4, they will have a chance to reach the Top 50 RPI by season's end: That is huge for them, and great for us as long as we win at least 2 of 3 from them.
Coastal Carolina [RPI 28]: Coastal has 3 games with S. Dakota [183] and one each with Charleston Southern [238] and South Carolina [3]. We need Coastal to win all 4 trash games, and a win over South Carolina would be huge for Coastal and good for the rest of the conference, getting them very close to a top 25 RPI.
Troy [RPI 79]: Troy has 4 against UMass [202]. Even playing these games is not good; losing one or more would be awful. Troy is likely to drop in RPI, even with a sweep. Still, they can keep a top 75 finish in sight.
JMU [RPI 81]: JMU plays 2 each against Binghamton [66] and Radford [200] and one each against Fordham [134] and UVa [38]. They must beat Radford twice and Fordham and at least one of the 3 others. JMU can possibly reach an RPI of 75 or better by season's end.
South Alabama [RPI 105]: The Jags have 2 games each with LSU [9] and Minnesota [113] and one with Alabama [19]. Winning 2 of the 5 is a must. Winning 3 likely puts them at or near the 100 RPI spot. Regardless, USA is probably going to be Top 100 at worst by season's end.
Texas State [53]: The 'Cats have 3 with Missouri State [225]. They are doing rain dances in San Marcos. Even playing these games will cost them a spot or two in RPI. Regardless, a Top 50 finish is likely for them.
USM [88]: The Mustard Buzzards are doing rain dances as well. They have 3 games with ND State [218] and one each with Alabama St. [268] and UMES [309]. Only rainouts will keep their RPI above 90.
The good news is that the level of competition will be higher than usual across the board in the SBC; helping all teams in the conference reach or maintain higher RPI, if they help themselves.
The bad news is that the level of competition will be higher than usual across the board in the SBC; making it more difficult to win the conference.
Re: Games of Interest 3/7/25 through 3/13/25
Not to gloss over the issues that we have, but it is important to remember that last year after 20 games the Cajuns were 9-11. This year we are 11-9. It is not the time to panic.
Re: Games of Interest 3/7/25 through 3/13/25
Quote:
Originally Posted by
VObserver
Not to gloss over the issues that we have, but it is important to remember that last year after 20 games the Cajuns were 9-11. This year we are 11-9. It is not the time to panic.
I hope Emily Smith is not injured. If not, doesn't make sense to not start her.
Re: Games of Interest 3/7/25 through 3/13/25
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ragin50
I hope Emily Smith is not injured. If not, doesn't make sense to not start her.
I believe she had tweaked a hamstring or groin last week. I remember it being mentioned on the radio broadcast. May have re-aggrevated that. She had two hits against Bama yesterday, so as you said wouldn’t make sense to not have her play.
Re: Games of Interest 3/7/25 through 3/13/25
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Cajuns98
I believe she had tweaked a hamstring or groin last week. I remember it being mentioned on the radio broadcast. May have re-aggrevated that. She had two hits against Bama yesterday, so as you said wouldn’t make sense to not have her play.
Hopefully she can play the 2nd game, Ferguson has 0 hits this year.
Re: Games of Interest 3/7/25 through 3/13/25
Re: Games of Interest 3/7/25 through 3/13/25
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Cajuns98
I believe she had tweaked a hamstring or groin last week. I remember it being mentioned on the radio broadcast. May have re-aggrevated that. She had two hits against Bama yesterday, so as you said wouldn’t make sense to not have her play.
This would be correct. In all honesty she hasn't been 100% yet
Re: Games of Interest 3/7/25 through 3/13/25
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JMV JustMyView
This would be correct. In all honesty she hasn't been 100% yet
2-0 Alabama after 1.We walk the leadoff hitter and make an error at 3rd. Very frustrating team to watch.
Re: Games of Interest 3/7/25 through 3/13/25
Fast fast Vasquez! Way to Geaux!!!
Re: Games of Interest 3/7/25 through 3/13/25
Quote:
Originally Posted by
BayouRichard
Fast fast Vasquez! Way to Geaux!!!
3-2 Louisiana in the 4th. Inches from it being 5-2.
Re: Games of Interest 3/7/25 through 3/13/25
Missed an opportunity to add to lead but we do have lead. Pitching and defense now.
Re: Games of Interest 3/7/25 through 3/13/25
Re: Games of Interest 3/7/25 through 3/13/25
VoB. How’s the 5-5 road trip help us going into conference from an RPI standpoint?
Re: Games of Interest 3/7/25 through 3/13/25
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RaginScotsman
VoB. How’s the 5-5 road trip help us going into conference from an RPI standpoint?
Imo way to early to start worrying about rpi. The rpi rankings will fluctuate alot the next 4 weeks.
Re: Games of Interest 3/7/25 through 3/13/25
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JMV JustMyView
Imo way to early to start worrying about rpi. The rpi rankings will fluctuate alot the next 4 weeks.
Actually, right now is a good time to start paying attention to rpi. Realistically, a team's base rpi ranking is established by non-conference play. Some conferences have already started conference play. Sun Belt Conference play begins next weekend. Once conference play starts, there is not much fluctuation except for those teams that are in the top and bottom of the conference.
The Cajuns began with 18 games against "power" conference teams. Unless the Houston games get made up, it will be 16. Cajuns only have 3 such games left, two with LSU and one with Texas A&M. Cajuns are 6-7 against those played thus far. As important as the results of those games are, what will be more important, and determine how they affect our rpi ranking, is where are they going to be in their conference standings, top, middle or bottom. It is possible, but unlikely, that fluctuation will be very radical going forward.
