Ragin' Cajuns Softball 2015 Preview: Pitchers

LAFAYETTE – Christina Hamilton and Jordan Wallace, the duo which combined for 43 of the 49 victories for the 9^th-ranked Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns softball squad in 2014, is back leading the efforts in the circle for the 2015 season.

The Hamilton-Wallace duo not only gives Louisiana proven winners, but excellent mentors for a handful of younger arms that will begin to develop for future campaigns.

Supporting Hamilton and Wallace's efforts are sophomores Alex Stewart and Macey Smith plus true freshman Kylee Jo Trahan.

Louisiana's depth in the pitching circle will be on display in the season's opening weekends. Though released to pitch following shoulder ailments, Hamilton and Wallace will work on a pitch count.

Smith and Stewart along with Trahan will aid in logging innings. It's an excellent opportunity for the coaching staff to begin to develop the pitchers who will patrol the circle following the departure of Hamilton and Wallace.

"Developing young pitchers is not an overnight process," head coach Michael Lotief said. "It takes time and patience, but it is well worth it especially when they turn into aces."

Hamilton delivered a season to remember a year ago, posting a 29-4 record with a 1.56 ERA in 237.1 innings in the circle to lead the Ragin' Cajuns to their sixth Women's College World Series. She was honored as Sun Belt Pitcher of the Year and was the recipient of NFCA second team All-American and NFCA first team All-Central Region honors.

Wallace, no stranger to success, set an NCAA record for a freshman winning 21 consecutive games to begin her career and registered 32 victories during her sophomore campaign.

"Both Jordan and Christina have been the ace, so they know what it takes mentally and physically to win big games," Lotief said. "That experience helps them in their preparation, allows them to push each other and also allows them to share it with our younger pitchers."

Stewart, along with Smith, made their debut with the Cajuns in 2014. Stewart made four appearances with three starts in the circle logging 10 1/3 innings. Smith made seven appearances with two starts, accruing 20 1/3 innings.

Trahan is coming off an award-filled high school career at Burkburnett (Texas) High School. She was named district MVP in 2012 and 2014, newcomer of the year in 2011 and pitcher of the year in 2013.

"Alex and Kylee are similar in stature (5-11) and in velocity (low to mid-60s) and are both working hard to develop secondary pitches," Lotief remarked. "All they need is to be thrown out there and compete and learn from each experience."

Louisiana has the experienced pitchers who have won NCAA Regional Championships and have NCAA Super Regionals experience. With successful development of the younger arms early in the season, several options could be available come postseason play.

"Both Jordan and Christina are extremely hard workers, fierce competitors and have done a great job of continuing to learn and develop to be even better," Lotief mentioned. "Hopefully this is the year when all of our pitchers can contribute and can compliment each other as a staff."

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Ragin' Cajuns Softball 2015 Preview: Pitchers

Players Mentioned

Christina Hamilton

Macey Smith

Alex Stewart

Kylee Jo Trahan

Jordan Wallace

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