2026 Softball Offseason

[cajunref]

I believe they were looking at another pitcher from South Carolina who went to Missouri, pitcher from Arkansas believe went to Arizaona State and the pitcher from Southeasterrn was supposed to visit. I am not sure that any actually came for a visit.

[JMV Just My View]

I believe they were looking at another pitcher from South Carolina who went to Missouri, pitcher from Arkansas believe went to Arizaona State and the pitcher from Southeasterrn was supposed to visit. I am not sure that any actually came for a visit.

I'm sure they will get another cast-off with a 5.88 plus era who can't throw a strike.

[JMV Just My View]

I believe they were looking at another pitcher from South Carolina who went to Missouri, pitcher from Arkansas believe went to Arizaona State and the pitcher from Southeasterrn was supposed to visit. I am not sure that any actually came for a visit.

Lamb from SC was never going to come to UL. She would have been a good pickup.

[Vobserver]

Both Spinogatti and Hodge were highly regarded recruits coming out of High School. Spinogatti redshirted last year due to an ACL, and is currently in rehab, though she should be back to 100% by fall ball. Hodge was a 3 time all-state pitcher in North Carolina, but had disappointing stats as a freshman at ASU last year. 25 IP, 31 Hits allowed, 17 free passes [12 BB, 5 HB], ERA of 5.88 WHIP of 1.72 and Batting Average allowed of .304.

Spinogatti could be an outstanding get, assuming she is fully recovered; Hodge is a project, but does bring a lefty alternative to our pitching staff. Both are long and athletic and both have 4 years remaining.

Habetz has gambled big time in the portal this year. Assuming we get these two, all four of our portal girls are essentially HS recruits. This strategy is a total crap shoot. All 10 incoming players could be all conference level players and all 10 could be total busts. On paper, it looks like a strong class; in reality we needed at least one proven pitcher and an experienced and talented catcher, as we have no pitching depth and no player on the roster whose best position is catcher.

[Vobserver]

Last year our Team ERA was 3.67, our Team WHIP was 1.54, our Team Batting Average Against was .273, all better than the 2025 season, but still historically bad numbers for this program.

Our pitching staff for next season [assuming we get Hodge and no other pitchers] has 0 pitchers with D1 ERA better than 3.67 last year, and only Hoover better than 4.00. Only Hoover [1.50] had a WHIP better than 1.54. Of the other 3 with D1 experience only Hodge [1.72] was under 2.00. Batting Average Against was even worse: Hoover and Mackles allowed .285 and .286, while Hodge allowed .304 and Favors .353.

It is hard to see many wins from this group unless our offense is much better than last year. IMO, Brady has his work cut out for him this year.

Interestingly, as questionable as our pitching was last season, we had only 9 losses when we scored 3 or more runs.

[UL_Cajuns]

If yall remember correctly: There were a bunch of questionable coaching decisions that cost us a bunch of games last year. The constant bunting to be precise.

[Reality Check]

I know they love the Catcher from NV which will allow Kennedy to move to another position which I’m hearing may be center.

She might be good defensively behind the dish but she can't hit worth a damn. Look at her stats from travel ball this summer. The Cajuns need sticks and right now, she doesn't have one.

I bracing myself for a lackluster season in 2027, both offensively and from the circle. I'll renew my season tickets for the upcoming season but if the Cajuns continue to be dismal, I'll save my money for the 2028 season and watch whatever games the Cajuns play on ESPN+.

[Turbine]

Interestingly, as questionable as our pitching was last season, we had only 9 losses when we scored 3 or more runs.

If yall remember correctly: There were a bunch of questionable coaching decisions that cost us a bunch of games last year. The constant bunting to be precise.

The run total last season could have been much higher if not for giving away necessary at bats.

[Roarman]

If Hodge and Spinogatti transfer in, it may be deja vu all over again.

A pitcher from Arizona State with a very high era. How did that work out with the last transfer pitcher from Arizona state with a high era?

A position player recovering from a torn ACL. Last year, the Cajuns put all of their eggs into a basket with two players coming back from injuries. How did that work out?

I understand that sometimes a team uses the portal to find hidden gems. But, it seems the Cajuns are rolling the dice, hoping to hit a 7 or 11.

What the Cajuns need are immediate impact players. A pitcher with a 5.88 era in the Big 12 isn't magically going to drop to a sub 2.0 just because she puts on a vermilion and white uniform.
And, counting on a player coming off major knee reconstruction to find their old form is a massive risk. See Taylor Roman.

Going into the portal "season" fans were hoping to get a couple of proven, high-level producers who could help the Cajuns dominate the Sunbelt and make it to a regional. Unfortunately, it looks as though the Cajuns will have to deal with project players who need a complete overhaul or a miracle recovery from injury.

With the players the Cajuns got, or didn't get in the portal, it's looking as though 2027 may be a repeat of the last two years.

[JMV Just My View]

If Hodge and Spinogatti transfer in, it may be deja vu all over again.

A pitcher from Arizona State with a very high era. How did that work out with the last transfer pitcher from Arizona state with a high era?

A position player recovering from a torn ACL. Last year, the Cajuns put all of their eggs into a basket with two players coming back from injuries. How did that work out?

I understand that sometimes a team uses the portal to find hidden gems. But, it seems the Cajuns are rolling the dice, hoping to hit a 7 or 11.

What the Cajuns need are immediate impact players. A pitcher with a 5.88 era in the Big 12 isn't magically going to drop to a sub 2.0 just because she puts on a vermilion and white uniform.
And, counting on a player coming off major knee reconstruction to find their old form is a massive risk. See Taylor Roman.

Going into the portal "season" fans were hoping to get a couple of proven, high-level producers who could help the Cajuns dominate the Sunbelt and make it to a regional. Unfortunately, it looks as though the Cajuns will have to deal with project players who need a complete overhaul or a miracle recovery from injury.

With the players the Cajuns got, or didn't get in the portal, it's looking as though 2027 may be a repeat of the last two years.

Does anyone know what the staff's recruiting philosophy is? Do they even know?

[JMV Just My View]

If Hodge and Spinogatti transfer in, it may be deja vu all over again.

A pitcher from Arizona State with a very high era. How did that work out with the last transfer pitcher from Arizona state with a high era?

A position player recovering from a torn ACL. Last year, the Cajuns put all of their eggs into a basket with two players coming back from injuries. How did that work out?

I understand that sometimes a team uses the portal to find hidden gems. But, it seems the Cajuns are rolling the dice, hoping to hit a 7 or 11.

What the Cajuns need are immediate impact players. A pitcher with a 5.88 era in the Big 12 isn't magically going to drop to a sub 2.0 just because she puts on a vermilion and white uniform.
And, counting on a player coming off major knee reconstruction to find their old form is a massive risk. See Taylor Roman.

Going into the portal "season" fans were hoping to get a couple of proven, high-level producers who could help the Cajuns dominate the Sunbelt and make it to a regional. Unfortunately, it looks as though the Cajuns will have to deal with project players who need a complete overhaul or a miracle recovery from injury.

With the players the Cajuns got, or didn't get in the portal, it's looking as though 2027 may be a repeat of the last two years.

I know a local player who doesn't want any NIL, and they have some stats and could definitely help the team. Will the Cajuns make the call? I also know a good portal catcher who has sent all four coaches emails, Twitter DMs, and has tried to call the softball office numerous times and can never get anyone to answer the phone or return calls. That player also isn't looking for any NIL; they will sign with an ACC team soon if the Cajuns don't respond.

[Vobserver]

I don't know that I would consider a 12 month recovery from an acl surgery a miracle, but in any event, I completely agree that our staff is hoping for 7 or 11, but may come up with snake eyes.

[Turbine]

Does anyone know what the staff's recruiting philosophy is? Do they even know?

Given all the variables they probably don't.

It does seem to be consistent though, regardless of the variables.

[JMV Just My View]

Given all the variables, they probably don't.

It does seem to be consistent, though, regardless of the variables.

Consistent in the rim of no urgency, and they are only pursuing upper-tier schools for players.

[Suave]

I know a local player who doesn't want any NIL, and they have some stats and could definitely help the team. Will the Cajuns make the call? I also know a good portal catcher who has sent all four coaches emails, Twitter DMs, and has tried to call the softball office numerous times and can never get anyone to answer the phone or return calls. That player also isn't looking for any NIL; they will sign with an ACC team soon if the Cajuns don't respond.

They may have other plans, I don’t know, but take the freakin call….or at least answer the girl