Gomez accepts challenge
LOUISIANA La. — The first time the country really became aware of Danyele Gomez was last May 22 when the Louisiana freshman ripped a mammoth home run against Texas ace Cat Osterberg in the Women’s College World Series.
The two-run blast sent shock waves through the college softball world and indicated the Ragin’ Cajuns weren’t just in Oklahoma City to look good.
It was the 20th home run of 2003 for Gomez, a new school record that capped an All-American campaign.
Gomez and the Cajuns are back in the NCAA Tournament this week, dispatched to Tucson as the No. 5 seed in a group that includes No. 1-ranked Arizona, and they know it will take a superb effort to reach the World Series again.
“We weren’t upset at all when we saw where we were going,” said Gomez, who helped the Cajuns to a 55-6 record and the No. 9 ranking in national polls.
“Before the announcement, we were talking and excited.
“We’re ready to go shock the world. This would be a prime time to do it.”
The Cajuns would likely have to beat Arizona twice to reach Oklahoma City, knowing they have to first open strong by beating No. 4 South Carolina (27-22).
“We played Arizona before (losing 2-0 on March 20),” Gomez said. “So we’ve had the experience already. We were so close. We were not a long shot away from beating them.
“It’s not like we’re going in blind. We know what to expect and we can make adjustments.”
Alicia Hollowell struck out 18 Cajuns that day (Gomez and catcher Joy Webre three times each) and allowed only one hit by freshman Hillary Guidry.
But the Cajuns have junior Brooke Mitchell, who is 41-3 with a 0.55 earned run average and 484 strikeouts in 279 innings of work, so they have a chance against any team in the country.
“Oh my gosh,” Gomez said. “Brooke is so great. Her heart is humongous. And, she’s so humble. She always gives us all the credit for everything whenever we win.”
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Bruce Brown
bbrown@theadvertiser.com
Danyele Gomez ready to defend Louisiana's World Series appearance
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