UL softball projections by position
Pitchers: Best mix of health and talent are senior transfer Tyra Clary and true freshman Mallory Wheeler. Transfer Sage Hoover and returnee Lexie Delbrey have major injury questions. Senior Sam Ryan and juco transfer Bethaney Noble could get chance to shine.
Catcher: The biggest lock to start out of all the newcomers is senior transfer Savannah White. The Cajuns also have true freshman Mia Norwood and juco transfer McKayla Ferguson as promising backups.
First base: Initially was going to be Sam Roe, but an injury at third base prompted her to move to the hot corner. If healthy, true freshman Emily Smith is the most likely replacement.
Second base: UL has three middle infielders — Cecilia Vasquez, Mia Liscano and Gabbie Stutes. Either Vasquez or Liscano will start at second base with the other likely moving to shortstop.
Shortstop: Vasquez or Liscano.
Third base: Roe likely will start here with Norwood and Ferguson as backups.
Center field: Maddie Hayden, with Dayzja Williams as a backup.
Left field: The outfield is deep. When healthy, true freshman Lily Knox could settle here, but true freshman Chayne Allen and newcomer Erin Ardoin are in the mix as well.
Right field: Veteran Kayla Falterman is the best bet, but any of the others could end up here.
Designated player: Laney Credeur.