Four LCU earn all-conference softball honors

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – With the postseason tournament set to get underway, the Red River Athletic Conference announced its All-Conference teams and four Louisiana Christian University players among those honored.

The Wildcats were honored with two All-Conference First Team selections, Maci Rozas and Olivia Coaker.

Rozas, a junior second baseman from Breaux Bridge, La., played in 25 games and was a key cog at the top of the line-up for the Wildcats as she hit .396 for the season, serving as the table setter as her 19 base hits and two walks turned into 19 runs scoring for LCU. She also knocked in six runs and was nine of 11 on stolen bases for the season. This is Rozas’ first All-Conference award.

Coaker, a junior infielder and pitcher from Orange Beach, Ala., appeared in 38 games on the year and led the team with eight home runs, including a grand slam against Houston-Victoria, and 51 runs batted in. Her .760 slugging percentage was the highest among LCU’s regular rotation. Late in the season, she was asked to contribute inside the circle as well and has responded with a 4-2 record with a 3.55 in ERA and .268 opposing batting average, both of which are the lowest among all LCU pitchers with more than 30 innings pitched. This is Coaker’s second straight All-Conference honor, having been named All-American Southwest Conference Honorable Mention following the 2021 season.

Kayla Dauthier, a junior outfielder from Jarreau, La., was among those listed on the All-Conference Second Team. She appeared in 40 games for the Wildcats, mostly in right field, and hit .366 with nine doubles, a triple, and four home runs throughout the season. She knocked in 26 runs and scored 28 times herself throughout the season. This is Dauthier’s first All-Conference award.

Bailey McMillian, a junior pitcher from Stonewall, La., was named the team’s representative on the Champions of Character team. That recognizes the player that best represents the NAIA’s Champions of Character five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, & servant leadership.

After an unexpected day off following some bad weather causing poor field conditions, the four-seeded Wildcats (27-20) will open the 2022 Red River Athletic Conference Softball Championship Tournament on Friday against in-Parish rival, LSU Alexandria. First pitch of Friday’s first round game against the fifth-seeded Generals (19-24) is set for 10:00 A.M. at The Park at St. Mary’s on the campus of St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas.