Louisiana Softball Misses NCAA Regional for First Time Since 1998
TROY, Ala. — In a surprising turn of events, Louisiana softball has concluded its season without making the NCAA Regional, marking the first time since 1998 that the Ragin’ Cajuns will not participate in postseason play. Their campaign ended with a disappointing 6-1 loss to Coastal Carolina in the Sun Belt Championship semifinals.
The game turned in favor of Coastal as they scored five of their six runs in a dominant fourth inning. Keirstin Roose provided the first spark for the Chanticleers with an RBI single in the third, and soon after, Reese Collier’s hit extended the lead to 2-0. Clara Hudgens’ triple followed, allowing Collier to score, while Libby Pippin capped the rally with a single, pushing the lead to 6-0.
Despite a late effort by the Cajuns, who scored one run thanks to an RBI single from Sam Roe, the damage had already been done. Mallory Wheeler, starting her second consecutive game, struggled to control the game as Tyra Clary entered in relief but could not stop the Coastal offense.
Finishing the season at 29-25, head coach Alyson Habetz reflected on the team’s shortcomings, stating, "This program is used to winning… I take full responsibility. We fell short this year, but I’m motivated for what’s to come." Habetz also expressed sadness over the impending departure of seven seniors, highlighting the emotional weight of the moment, while expressing optimism for the future of the program.
With this loss, Louisiana’s historic streak of 24 consecutive NCAA regional appearances has come to an unexpected end, leaving fans and players alike to look forward to a rebuilding phase.
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