SOFTBALL: Ragin’ Cajuns begin preseason preparations for 2018 season

LAFAYETTE – The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Softball team opened its preseason practice schedule for the upcoming 2018 season on Wednesday at Lamson Park.

The Ragin’ Cajuns are beginning preparations for the first season under the leadership of head coach Gerry Glasco. Formerly the associate head coach at Auburn, Texas A&M and Georgia, Glasco was named the fourth head coach of the Ragin’ Cajuns on Nov. 20, 2017.

Wednesday’s morning and afternoon sessions marked the first opportunity for Glasco and the entire coaching staff – assistants Joe Guthrie, Ellen Renfroe Reed and Courtnay Foster – to conduct practice with the team.

“It was exciting to see our staff coaching together for the first time and how prepared they were,” Glasco said. “Overall, we had a great first day. We have tremendous talent with a great work habit in our dugout. Now, we just have to stick to the process building toward the season opener.”

Louisiana will practice throughout the month of January and into early February leading up to start of the 2018 season which begins Feb. 8-11 with the Mardi Gras Classic at Lamson Park.

“These preseason practices are going to be extremely important for our team,” Glasco said. “Simply because we’re all getting to know each other and we’ll be working to instill our system.

“Our goal is that by February we’ll have determined who our most competitive players are and who can take on leading roles,” Glasco added. “I feel confident about the depth of our squad and that we’ll see players that when given a chance will take advantage of it.”

Senior Kelli Martinez and All-Sun Belt performers Lexie Comeaux and Kara Gremillion headline the returning position players. Senior Kylee Jo Trahan is the veteran of a pitching staff of eight arms, while Oklahoma transfer Alissa Dalton and JUCO All-American Brittany Holland highlight the group of newcomers.

Season tickets, beginning at $101 for outfield seating, are currently on sale and can be purchased by phone at (337) 265-2357, online at RaginCajuns.com using Account Manager, or by visiting the Cajundome Box Office in-person Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and extended hours during Ragin’ Cajuns basketball events.