Possible Lineup Changes For UL Softball This Week

Could we see some different faces in the lineup for the 15th-ranked Louisiana Ragin' Cajun softball team this week?

Based on what Louisiana head coach Gerry Glasco has said, is not only possible, but likely.

Glasco was on "The Starting Lineup" on Wednesday morning and said to "expect to see some key players not playing" this week, as the Cajuns host four other teams in the 32nd Annual Louisiana Classics at Lamson Park.

Louisiana plays their first game in the event on Thursday, taking on Southeastern Louisiana at 4 o'clock.

Apparently, a few UL players are suffering from minor injuries and the coaching staff just wants to be extremely careful with them.

Glasco didn't elaborate, as to who those players may be, but he did mention a player that could see some extended action this week.

Sophomore Kynadi Tipler should get at least one start this week.

Tipler, who played last season at Gulf State College (Panama City, Florida), where she hit a .442, to go along with 10 home runs and 71 runs batted in, has had only one at-bat so far this season.

The coaching staff thinks that Tipler has a bright future, and mulled the possibility of redshirting her, but decided against it, thinking she can help them with her bat, either as a designated hitter or a pinch-hitter.

Right now, the Cajuns are looking for somebody that can come off the bench as a pinch-hitter. They have three slappers in their lineup, and would like to find someone they can rely on when one of those slappers come to the plate with a runner at third and less than two outs.

They think that Tipler, who has had two good weeks of practice, could serve in that role.

Expect freshman Jolie Readeaux in the lineup in multiple games this week. With three slappers in the outfield, and the injury to second baseman Brittany Holland, the coaching staff made the decision to move Casidy Chaumont from the outfield to second base, a position she played at in high school, to get some much needed power in the lineup.

This also allows Readeaux to serve in the "super utility" role that was envisioned for her prior to the season, as she can play first base, second base, or the outfield.

With five games over four days, you can also expect to see multiple pitchers inside the circle, but look for redshirt freshman Samantha Bradley to see more time.

The coaching staff wants to reward Bradley, who recorded two outs against Florida in game two of the doubleheader on Saturday, for throwing strikes against the Gators, and for her improvement in practice.

Although Glasco didn't elaborate much, I get the feeling the injuries are minor, that the players in question could play, if needed, and that all of the players with bumps and bruises will likely play this week, at some point.

Again, it's a long season, and Glasco wants to be careful, while throwing some other players into the fire to see if they can help in some kind of capacity.

The lineup card may be interesting this week.