Cajuns’ Bryant owns most experience in young infield.

LOUISIANA Là — When the 2003 softball season ended, Brittany Bryant was finishing up her freshman year as the second baseman for Louisiana in the Women’s College World Series.

To her left at first base was senior Summar Lapeyrousse.

To her right was veteran junior shortstop Jill Robertson.

Across the infield was senior All-American third baseman Becky McMurtry.

Bryant was the fresh new face, the one in need of a helpful hint here or there. But she also hit .241, drew 24 walks, slashed 5 doubles, hit 8 home runs and drove in 32 as UL marched to its first WCWS since 1996.

“Summar always kept me in the game,” Bryant said. “She was always behind me. If I made a mistake, she was there telling me to take it pitch-by-pitch.

“I also learned from the seniors to play with a lot of heart.”

When the 32-4 Ragin’ Cajuns begin Sun Belt Conference play at New Mexico State this weekend, Bryant will still be at second, but the rest of the infield is new.

Freshman Lacey Bertucci is at first, junior Tiffany Hebert is the shortstop and sophomore Danyele Gomez has moved from the outfield to third base.

Nothing typifies the changes in the squad like that revamped infield, with Bryant suddenly the one with experience.

“I used to think about that,” Bryant said. “But they fill the roles just as well as the others did.

“I’m not even nervous out there. There’s not even a doubt in my mind that they will play well. I love it. I’m having a blast with them.”

Not surprisingly, being a newly-minted young veteran weighed on Bryant early this season.

“Most sophomores can’t take care of themselves, and then you’re asking them to help the others,” co-head coach Michael Lotief said. “That’s where losing those seniors hurt.”

Robertson, who had moved from shortstop to center field to shore up the outfield, is out for the season with a knee injury. Tiffany Grayson, the only other 2004 senior, has been limited by shoulder problems but is playing.

The Cajuns are adjusting to the new faces, though, and Bryant’s performance reflects that.

“I am feeling more relaxed,” Bryant said. “I’m beginning to focus more on my mechanics. I can actually get up there, swing and hit the ball — work the plan, whether it’s early or late. That’s hard to do if there’s a million things going through your mind.

“It wasn’t me at the plate. Now it’s better. I’m not cocky, but I am confident at the plate.”

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Bruce Brown
bbrown@theadvertiser.com