Cajuns run out of gas
Road as No. 5 seed proves one game too long as OU advances

TUCSON, Ariz. — Louisiana’s mystical and magical run to the College Softball World Series is over.

It came in a thud.

The Ragin’ Cajuns ran out of gas in the second game against No. 2 seed Oklahoma, falling 15-0 here at Hillenbrand Stadium in the Region 1 championship game. It’s the worst loss in the program’s history as it gave up the most runs in a game.

The loss ended Louisiana’s season at 60-8 overall, and one win short of its second consecutive trip to Oklahoma City, Okla., and the College World Series.

“These kids are champions and I’m very proud of them,’’ said UL coach Stefni Lotief. “We came out after having to come through the loser’s bracket. They believed in themselves and I believe in them. That’s how you come out and get it done.

“It was an incredible season. They are a very special group of kids.’’

Oklahoma (44-20-1) now advances to the College Softball World Series for the fifth consecutive season.

The Cajuns, behind junior pitcher Brooke Mitchell, couldn’t continue its incredible run as the region’s No. 5 seed, after beating No. 1 seed Arizona Saturday night and Oklahoma 12-4 in the first of what proved to be two games on Sunday. UL managed only four hits in the title game.

The Sooners and pitcher Kami Keither (45-5) were too much for the Cajuns, who earlier in the day had a record-setting performance by getting 18 hits against OU to get another chance at defeating the Sooners in the double-elimination tournament.

“They are a tremendous hitting team,’’ said Oklahoma coach Patty Gasso. “I’ve never seen anything like it. From top to bottom they are unbelievable.’’

After beating Oklahoma 12-4 in the first game, Lotief said she told her team to “come on. They re-chalk the field. Let’s go. We got to get back between the lines and find a way to win. We just came a game short.’’

Unlike the first game when the hits kept coming, UL couldn’t get it going offensively.

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