LAFAYETTE-Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns softball team received a complete game no-hitter from pitcher Ashley Brignac as they claimed a 1-0 victory over San Diego State in the first game of the second day of the Mardi Gras Invitational at Alfred and Helen Lamson Ragin’ Cajuns Softball Park. 

Brignac tossed 112 pitches over 7.0 innings in her first complete game of the season.  She struck out eight batters, while walking just three.  The sophomore hurler finished the game with her fourth no-hitter of her career. 

As a freshman, Brignac recorded three no-hitters as a true freshman in 2008.  Her first no-hitter came on Mar. 11, as she worked a perfect game against IUPUI.  Ten days later, Brignac recorded a no-hitter against UNLV at the Judi Garman Classic.  On Apr. 16, she worked a no-hitter against Florida Atlantic – her only no-no in Sun Belt Conference play. 

In the game, Brignac allowed just five base runners and saw only two base runners reach scoring position.  The Aztecs’ biggest threat of the game came in the third inning as leadoff batter Brittany Knudsen reached third before a fly ball ended the inning. 

Brignac seemed to get stronger as the game progressed, decreasing her pitch count each inning.  Brignac retired the final nine batters she faced.

The Ragin’ Cajuns collected six hits as a team with the slap hitters combining for all six hits.  Katie Smith, Karli Hubbard and Kelly Cormier each had two hits apiece in the contest. 

Gabriele Bridges tied the school record with four walks in the game.  She walked with the bases loaded in the third inning for the only RBI of the game.  Her four walks marked the seventh time in school history a batter has drawn four free passes.  Bridges was the first player to accomplish the feat since Holly Tankersley was walked four times against North Texas on Apr. 23, 2008.

The Ragin’ Cajuns scratched out a run in the top of the third inning.  Back-to-back singles by Smith and Hubbard gave UL a pair of base of base runners.  A walk by Melissa Verde loaded the bases and a Bridges’ walk gave Louisiana a 1-0 advantage. 

The one run would prove to be enough as Brignac kept the Aztecs off the scoreboard. 

The Ragin’ Cajuns will play again in the 5:00 p.m. game of the Mardi Gras Invitational.  Louisiana will square off against Kentucky. 

-www.RaginCajuns.com-