UL’s Opening Day Softball Lineup Will Change

Don't pay too much attention to the opening day lineup that the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns trotted out on Thursday, in a 4-0 triumph over Fordham.

Opening day softball and baseball lineups, at any level, are overrated.

Starters often change, as do spots in the batting order.

We have the tendency to think the opening day lineup is going to be the lineup throughout the year, when in reality that is rarely the case.

Quick; who was the opening day clean-up hitter for UL softball last season?

The answer is Beth Ashley, who left the team at mid-season.

Who was he opening night catcher for the Cajuns last year?

The answer is Caitlin Garcia, who only got a handful of at-bats after the first few weeks of the season, and is now at Nicholls.

Who was the opening day second baseman for Louisiana last year?

The answer is Brittany Holland, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the third game of the season.

Who was the opening day right-fielder for UL last season?

The answer is Casidy Chaumont, who ended the second as the starting second baseman.

That's a lot of changes for a successful team.

But it happens to most teams, as injuries and circumstances just force changes.

I guarantee you, the lineup that Louisiana used on Thursday against Fordham will not be the one they'll use all year.

Kourtney Gremillion will play a lot, and will likely play in at least four of the remaining five games in the tournament.

Aeriyl Mass, who started 32 games last season, and who is a tremendous outfielder, will play a lot.

Jolie Readeaux, who started some games last season, will see her share of playing time.

Injuries and circumstances tend to change opening day lineups, but Gerry Glasco will also use different combinations because he has so many talented options.

One of the reasons this team is going to be so good is because they have so much depth, at that means a number of different lineups.

Expect a different look on Friday, and maybe many more throughout the season.