LOUISIANA La. — Joy Webre knew that it wouldn’t take many runs for Louisiana's softball team to win its home and Louisiana Classics Tournament opener Saturday, with the way Cajun hurler Brooke Mitchell was rocking along.

But Webre wanted to make sure.

Her two mammoth home runs were among four the Cajuns recorded against McNeese State, plenty enough to record an 8-0 five-inning run-rule victory over the Cowgirls in opening-day play in the weather-shortened event.

“Joy sets the pace for us with the way she works the pitchers,” said Cajun head coach Stefni Lotief. “But her being in the four hole and swinging with authority, it’s a big boost when she steps it up offensively.”

Webre had a three-run homer in a four-run third inning and added a two-run shot in the fifth when the Cajuns (4-1) added another four runs.

That was enough for Mitchell, who was dominant against the Cowgirls (1-5). The junior faced a total of 14 batters, and only one — McNeese leadoff hitter Lindsi Allen — put a ball in play. Allen grounded out to third base, Leanne Wallisa was hit by a pitch and eventually thrown out stealing, and Karissa Wappler walked.

The other 11 Cowgirls went down swinging in Mitchell’s four and one-third innings, before reliever Heather Bobbitt came on to get the final two outs in a combined no-hitter.

“Nothing Brooke does surprises me,” said Lotief. “She works so hard and brings so much energy into it. She’s a gutty pitcher who improves every time she goes out.”

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Dan McDonald
dmcdonald@lafayette.gannett.com