Softball. The Cold, Hard Truth.

[RoarMan]

Sometimes, in softball, it all comes down to pitching. There’s no sugar-coating it. Stats don’t lie. This year’s pitching staff may end up being the most ineffective staff in the history of the program, topping the futility of last year’s squad. Currently the era of the 2026 team is 3.86. Last year they finished at 3.72. Those two eras rank highest and second to highest in the history of program.

What you saw in today’s game is proof there is no pitcher on the team that is even close to being a top tier pitcher. The Cajuns scored 9 runs today. That would have been enough to win in almost any year prior to 2025. Why is Cajun pitching where it's at? Here’s my opinion.

I think, going into the year, the coaches bet the house both Delbrey and Hoover could come back from their injuries and compete like they did before being injured. Therefore, the Cajuns only signed one pitcher from the transfer portal. Unfortunately, both Delbrey and Hoover have proven they are nowhere close to being the pitchers they once were. Here are the stats. Delbrey era 4.14. Hoover era 4.67

Now let’s take a look at the other pitchers. Noble-King. In 2025, she ended up with the highest era, 5.07, of any pitcher in the history of the program who pitched 35 innings or more. I will give her credit for the way she pitched at the beginning of the season, but, as you saw today, she has regressed to her 2025 form.

Julianne Tipton. She transfered in from Arizona State. At state she finished 2025 with a 7.00 era. I guess the Cajuns were hoping she could do better here. Is her era lower? Yes. It’s currently at 3.55. But, still not good enough to have consistent success at this level.

Bailey Mackles. She was given an opportunity at the beginning of the year, but, had control issues and has only pitched 11 innings. As a junior in high school, she was outstanding. So much so that Glasco signed her. Most people do not know this, but, during her senior year she got injured and pitched almost the entire year injured. Maybe like Delbrey and Hoover, she hasn’t been able to get over her injury.

One would think, with five pitchers, one would have separated from the pack and become the ace. That has not happened. And, that is the main reason the Cajuns have not had the success they hoped for this year. They do not have a single pitcher they can rely on.

If Tipton, Hoover and Mackles return next year, the Cajuns will be well advised to sign at least three pitchers from the transfer portal. If not, expect to see more performances in the circle like you have seen in 2025 and 2026.

[du42]

What he said….very good

[Cajunchuck]

I have to completely agree with you.

[Zydeco bro]

100% agree. Look for Hoover, Mackles and possibly Tipton ( not sure about Tip) to jump ship. So they better find 6 pitchers, good luck with that.

[cajunref]

Don't know if any of the pitchers can find a new team at comparable to SBC. I look for 3 possibly 4 of our starters in today's batting lineup to leave if no coaching changes made.

[cajunref]

Don't know if any of the pitchers can find a new team at comparable to SBC. I look for 3 possibly 4 of our starters in today's batting lineup to leave if no coaching changes made.

[CajunVic]

I told y’ll two days in a row to go watch baseball but yll too into misery

[du42]

The problem with pitching. The SEC schools are now 5 deep in pitching. A lot of those girls used to fall to us. So we really can’t miss on the pitchers we get from High school

[JMV JustMyView]

Don't know if any of the pitchers can find a new team at comparable to SBC. I look for 3 possibly 4 of our starters in today's batting lineup to leave if no coaching changes made.

I am hearing up to ten players are considering the portal. Many of those regular contributors. It's a strong possibly that every pitcher on the roster will not be at UL next season. Of course things can change, but the losing isn't helping. Some of the ones that may enter the portal will have a hard time getting on other teams in my opinion. Get ready for a hard reset no matter who the coach is next season.

[JMV JustMyView]

Sometimes, in softball, it all comes down to pitching. There’s no sugar-coating it. Stats don’t lie. This year’s pitching staff may end up being the most ineffective staff in the history of the program, topping the futility of last year’s squad. Currently the era of the 2026 team is 3.86. Last year they finished at 3.72. Those two eras rank highest and second to highest in the history of program.

What you saw in today’s game is proof there is no pitcher on the team that is even close to being a top tier pitcher. The Cajuns scored 9 runs today. That would have been enough to win in almost any year prior to 2025. Why is Cajun pitching where it's at? Here’s my opinion.

I think, going into the year, the coaches bet the house both Delbrey and Hoover could come back from their injuries and compete like they did before being injured. Therefore, the Cajuns only signed one pitcher from the transfer portal. Unfortunately, both Delbrey and Hoover have proven they are nowhere close to being the pitchers they once were. Here are the stats. Delbrey era 4.14. Hoover era 4.67

Now let’s take a look at the other pitchers. Noble-King. In 2025, she ended up with the highest era, 5.07, of any pitcher in the history of the program who pitched 35 innings or more. I will give her credit for the way she pitched at the beginning of the season, but, as you saw today, she has regressed to her 2025 form.

Julianne Tipton. She transfered in from Arizona State. At state she finished 2025 with a 7.00 era. I guess the Cajuns were hoping she could do better here. Is her era lower? Yes. It’s currently at 3.55. But, still not good enough to have consistent success at this level.

Bailey Mackles. She was given an opportunity at the beginning of the year, but, had control issues and has only pitched 11 innings. As a junior in high school, she was outstanding. So much so that Glasco signed her. Most people do not know this, but, during her senior year she got injured and pitched almost the entire year injured. Maybe like Delbrey and Hoover, she hasn’t been able to get over her injury.

One would think, with five pitchers, one would have separated from the pack and become the ace. That has not happened. And, that is the main reason the Cajuns have not had the success they hoped for this year. They do not have a single pitcher they can rely on.

If Tipton, Hoover and Mackles return next year, the Cajuns will be well advised to sign at least three pitchers from the transfer portal. If not, expect to see more performances in the circle like you have seen in 2025 and 2026.

That's the exact reason she shouldn't have let Mallory Wheeler walk.