Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns head softball co-head coaches Stefni and Michael Lotief have signed five student-athletes to National Letters of Intent for the 2008-09 academic year Wednesday.
Heidi Pizer (Portland, Ore.), a four-year letterwinner for head coach Connie Jolley at Tigard Senior High School, was a four-time All-Pacific Conference selection at shortstop.
“UL just seems to be the best fit for me,” Pizer said. “The people are wonderful, the campus is gorgeous and the food is delicious! What else could a girl ask for? It’s a place where I can see myself learning and growing into the person I’ve always wanted to be.”
In addition to softball, the 5-foot-10 Pizer also was a four-year starter for the girls’ basketball team at the wing and post positions. She was named the team’s Most Valuable Player during her sophomore season and also earned All-Pacific Conference accolades all four years.
“The softball program has a lot going for them,” Pizer said. “They’re a great group of girls with a strong offense and an even stronger defense. I’m excited to get in there and compete at a higher level with such an impressive amount of talent.
“These next several seasons are going to be fun ones.”
Ashley Ray (Arnaudville, La.) is a three-year letterwinner at catcher for the Beau Chene High Gators, while also lettering in track and field. She held guide the Gators softball team to a pair of co-District 5-4A crowns and three trips to the state playoffs.
“I am extremely grateful and feel very blessed to be given the opportunity to become a Ragin’ Cajun,” Ray said. “UL has a great program and I’ve always dreamed of being a part of it.”
As a freshman, she earned first team All-District and All-Parish accolades. As a sophomore, Ray earned first team All-District, All-Parish, All-Acadiana and All-State recognition at catcher. Last season, she earned All-District, All-Parish and All-Acadiana first team and second team All-State honors.
During her freshman season, Ray hit a career-best .676 at the plate, while driving in 16 runs. She hit .600 with four home runs as a sophomore, followed by her junior season when she hit .457 with four homers and 25 RBI.
Erikka Murphy (Victoria, Texas), the speedy centerfielder from Memorial High School, led the Vipers to three trips to the Texas state playoffs, including a quarterfinals appearance in 2007. Murphy was twice named to the District 27-5A All-Academic Team, while earning TSWA First Team All-State honors in each of her last two seasons. Erikka was also named an EA Sports All-American.
“This is a very exciting day for me,” Murphy said. “I am thrilled to be a part of the Cajun family.”
Last season, Murphy batted .591 with a .612 on-base percentage, collecting 65 hits, two doubles, two home runs, 74 stolen bases and 17 RBI, while striking out just seven times.
St. Thomas More product Natalie Travasos (Lafayette, La.) returns to Cajun Country after spending last season at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Travasos was a four-year letterwinner for the Cougars, playing third base, shortstop and in the outfield. She led STM to four District 5-4A titles and three straight appearances in the state semifinals.
The two-time All-State selection helped guide MGCCC to a 44-4 record in 2007 and No. 3 national ranking. Travasos was named to the NJCAA Division II All-Tournament Team after setting a national tournament record with four home runs in a game.
Nikki Goff (Leander, Texas) completes the five-player signing class. Goff lettered in three different sports at Vista Ridge High, including three years on the Rangers softball squad. Last season, she helped lead the Rangers to a district championship and a spot in the regional finals.
“I have always wanted to play for a Division I school since I was a little girl,” Goff said. “I am now able to fulfill my lifelong dream. I cannot wait to play for the Cajuns because of the energy that the girls bring to the team and the family atmosphere. I thank God each and everyday for blessing me with this opportunity.”
She was named District Defensive MVP and to the Hill Country Dazzling Dozen in 2006 as a sophomore. She also earned All-Centex honors that same season.
Last season, Goff hit .330 with nine doubles, two home runs and 24 RBI in 106 at bats.
“The idea with this recruiting class was to continue to add ‘quality’ athletes who are ‘quality’ people who want to be a part of the impressive group of athletes that make up the current Ragin’ Cajuns family,” co-head coaches Stefni and Michael Lotief said. “We are able to attract the best players from all over the country and still get the best hometown players, too.
“That is a tribute to the people who are already a part of this program and the people throughout the University that are always supportive of Ragin’ Cajuns softball.”
RaginCajuns.com
Lady Cajuns Softball Signs Five Wednesday
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