LOUISIANA La. — UL will end a well-timed nine-day rest today when the Ragin’ Cajuns host Texas State-San Marcos in a 3 p.m. softball doubleheader.

The LAdy Cajuns are 25-2 on the season and haven’t played since winning Florida State’s Seminole Challenge on March 7, and the time away has allowed the squad to get caught up.

“It’s OK to get your feet back on the ground every now and then,” coach Stefni Lotief said on Monday. “The girls missed time in the classroom, and we wanted to pay attention to our academics before we take off again on Wednesday for the Kia Klassic (at Fullerton, Cal.).

“On the field, we’ve tried to make some improvements and adjustments, but a little rest is a good thing. With the amount of games we play in a short span of time, it gets a little crazy.”

Playing Texas State (22-8, 9-0) is a challenging way to swing back into action. The Bobcats swept Southeastern Louisiana in three games last weekend.

Nicole Neuerburg (15-3, 1.74) is the SLC Pitcher of the Week, joined by Katie Ann Trahan (7-5, 3.47 ERA) in the rotation.

Kristen Zaleski leads the team’s attack at .479, while Trahan (.258) and Hannah Snow (.247) each has five home runs.

“We see good pitching all year when we play teams from the Southland,” Lotief said. “Neuerburg is an All-American, so we know about her.

“They reached the NCAA regional final against Texas last year, and they’re a Top 25 team this year. They’re always solid. They’re good at the plate and have good pitching.

“We’re lucky to be able to work them in between their conference weekends with Southeastern and McNeese.”

The LAdy Cajuns have their own pitching star in junior Brooke Mitchell (19-1, 0.38; 244 K, 130 2/3 IP), an All-American who has monopolized Sun Belt Conference weekly honors this year.

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Bruce Brown
bbrown@theadvertiser.com