LOUISIANA La. — Just when it looked like the Sun Belt Conference might clear an economy-sized weather hurdle on Thursday, Louisiana got washed out in the Sun Belt Tournament.

The host Cajuns were entering the top of the fourth inning against North Texas, with a wary eye cast to the skies for an approaching line of storms coming from the west, in the fourth of four games slated on opening day.

That’s when lightning was spotted nearby, halting play. Heavy showers soon followed, and the tarp was stretched across the infield while fans, umpires and the two teams headed for shelter.

When it became apparent that things weren’t going to improve, the contest was postponed and set to resume at 10 a.m. today before the regularly-scheduled second day of action.

“The nice thing is, there was no school today,” UL coach Stefni Lotief said. “Finals are over.

“We knew what time we would get started, and we started on time. We weren’t able to get the whole game in, but it was a great decision to call the game. At least we can go home and get some rest and not play too late.

“The storm was unpredictable. Obviously, we would have liked to have gotten the whole game in, but this way we can regroup and game-plan.”

Lotief’s Cajuns, No. 9 in the nation and heavily favored in this tournament, are looking to march into a second-round 4 p.m. meeting today against Florida International.

Sun Belt Freshman of the Year Holly Tankersley drew her 40th walk of the season to start the game. Danyele Gomez then singled, and Ashley Evans also got aboard, before Tankersley was tagged out between third base and home.

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Bruce Brown
bbrown@theadvertiser.com