UL Softball Preview – The Infielders
Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajun softball team will begin their 2016 regular season schedule this weekend, when they take part in the Sand Dollar Classic in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
This season, Louisiana returns 8 starting position players, as well as two pitchers, from a team that went 42-12 as season ago, including a regular season Sun Belt Conference championship, and a fourth-consecutive appearance in an NCAA Super Regional, including their fifth in the last six years, and their sixth in the last eight years.
Once again in 2016, Louisiana, ranked #11 in the country, is expected to be the team to beat in the Sun Belt Conference, as they work towards their goal of heading back to Oklahoma City and the Women’s College World Series for the second time in three years.
Over a four-day period, we’ll preview the 2016 edition of the Cajuns.
Yesterday, we profiled the UL catchers.
Today, we look at the infielders, who should rank among the best in the nation.
Kelsey Vincent returns at first base, after hitting a .304 with 18 home runs and 40 runs batted in.
A senior from Tomball, Texas, Vincent, a first team All-Sun Belt Conference and All-Louisiana selection last season, has hit 29 homers, while driving in 76 runs in her three-year career.
Haley Hayden, a junior from West Monroe, La., returns for a second season at second base, after playing centerfield in 2014.
A two-time first team All-Sun Belt Conference and All-Louisiana choice, Hayden hit a .379 with 14 homers and 55 RBI's a season ago.
In two short years, Hayden has belted 29 home runs, while driving home 110 runs.