There's nothing like a stiff challenge, followed by an even tougher one, to spice up the middle of a college softball season.

Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns depart today for California for the Kia Klassic at Cal State Fullerton, then return home next week for a three-game Easter weekend matchup with the No. 1 Arizona Wildcats.

Aside from postseason play, it could be the most demanding 10-day stretch in the program's history.

It certainly is for UL coach Stefni Lotief, whose team is 21-2 on the year and ranked No. 7 in the country.

The Cajuns are in Pool A for the Kia, grouped with Syracuse, Arizona State and Oklahoma, with 12 other teams also in the field.

"The Kia is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country," said Lotief, whose team posted a 3-1 record earlier this year at the rain-shortened NFCA Leadoff Classic in Columbus, Ga.

"It's a tough field. We've got three strong teams in our pool. Syracuse has a win over UCLA, Arizona State went undefeated last weekend and Oklahoma was a thorn in our side last year, preventing us from going to the College World Series."

"This is big for us," said senior center fielder Jill Robertson. "It's a good tournament to see where we're at. We feel we can compete with any team in the country, and there is a lot of great competition at the Kia.

"Everybody there is a Top 25 team, and they're all trying to show their best and play their hardest. It's a great tournament with a great atmosphere. I look forward to playing in it."

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Bruce Brown
bbrown@theadvertiser.com