Ragin' Cajuns Softball 2016 Preview: Pitchers

LAFAYETTE – The 2016 season represents a new "cycle" in the pitching circle for the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns softball program as the successors of Jordan Wallace and Christina Hamilton take the stage.

For the first time since 2011, the Ragin' Cajuns will not have either Wallace or Hamilton in the circle. The duo combined for 30 of Louisiana's 42 wins in 2015 and worked a combined 245-2/3 of the 332-1/3 innings.

"We've been getting ready for those kids' graduation for the last two years, and we aren't looking too far behind us or too far ahead of us," Louisiana softball head coach Michael Lotief said. "We'll just keep our nose to the ground and see what happens."

The process began to fast track last season as both Alex Stewart (Zionsville, Ind./Zionsville Community HS) and Kylee Jo Trahan (Burkburnett, Texas/Burkburnett HS) both registered 10-plus appearances in the circle.

Stewart was the Ragin' Cajuns' starting pitcher in game two of the Auburn Super Regional and carried a tied contest into the sixth inning. She also recorded five of the Cajuns' final 10 Sun Belt Conference wins, paving the way for the program's 13th championship in the 15 seasons of league competition.

Stewart and Trahan enter the 2016 season as the top two leading candidates to reprise the roles held by Wallace and Hamilton. They'll be joined by Victoria Brown (La Porte, Texas/Arkansas), Macey Smith (Houston, Texas/Stratford HS) and Alison Deville (Port Barre, La./Port Barre HS).

Brown, who pitched in 2013 and 2014 before missing last season with a knee injury, adds additional experience and high velocity. Smith is another seasoned arm, entering her third season in the system, while Deville offers a left-handed option.

"All of our pitchers have worked extremely hard," Lotief stated. "The success of our pitchers will have to be a collective effort. No matter who is in the circle it will be about execution and trusting their preparation.

"In this age where there is increased scrutiny on the performance of just the pitcher, or a single player, I think it is wise to learn the lesson of this recent Super Bowl – the best team will win."

Stewart is a returning second team All-Sun Belt Conference selection. She finished second among Sun Belt pitchers in ERA (2.09) in 2015 and was undefeated through her first 10 decisions/15 appearances – lone loss coming at No. 2 Oregon.

Stewart had five-plus strikeouts in seven of her 12 starts as a sophomore last season, ranking Top 30 in strikeouts per seven innings (8.7) in the NCAA stats. She held Sun Belt hitters to a .197 average and allowed only four earned runs in five starts in Sun Belt play (24-2/3 innings).

Trahan appeared in 14 games, starting two, in 2015 which was her collegiate debut season. She held foes to just five extra base hits in 23 innings pitched and allowed no more than two hits total over her final 11 appearances.

The return of Brown, who pitched in 34 games (17 starts) over the 2013-14 season span, gives the Cajuns a veteran presence in the circle. Her 2014 campaign was highlighted by four solid innings in a win at nationally ranked Baylor and a career-high seven strikeouts in a complete game win over ULM in a Sun Belt Tournament elimination game.

Smith, along with Deville (redshirt freshman), has worked in countless scrimmages against one of the nation's most potent offenses, which has helped prepare them for the tests that lie ahead.

"Our pitchers have to trust their strengths and not try and strikeout everybody," Lotief noted. "All of our pitchers have been around our system and understand this mindset.

"I think all these pitchers have worked extremely hard and believe in themselves and each other. One of them will separate themselves and eventually see more time in the circle, but our success will depend on each one of them continuing to grow, develop and be prepared when the opportunity presents itself."

Freshman Summer Ellyson, a first team all-district and all-state performer who totaled 613 strikeouts over her final two seasons at Lafayette-based Teurlings Catholic, may be redshirted. She'll have the advantage of learning more of the team's system from five individuals who can share valuable experience.

The 11th-ranked Ragin' Cajuns start the 2016 season Feb. 12-14 at the Sand Dollar Classic in Gulf Shores, Ala., then make their Lamson Park debut in the Louisiana Classics Feb. 19-21, beginning the tournament with a 2 p.m., doubleheader against Oregon on Feb. 19.

For more information on Ragin' Cajuns softball, fans can follow along with the team on Facebook (/RaginCajunSoftball) and Twitter (@RaginCajunSB).

#GeauxCajuns

Players Mentioned

Victoria Brown

Alison Deville

Summer Ellyson

Christina Hamilton

Macey Smith

Alex Stewart

Kylee Jo Trahan

Jordan Wallace