As is normally the case, the LSU Eunice softball roster has a number of players from the Acadiana area highlighting it once again this season.

12 of the 20 players on the Bengals fall roster, which was recently released, are from the Acadiana area.

Sophomores on the LSUE roster from the local area include pitcher Karli Ortego (Pine Prairie High School), catcher Abbey Higginbotham (Notre Dame High School), and  infielders Rylie Candella (Centerville High School), Mallory Little (Opelousas Catholic High School), and Ally Klein (Iota High School), along with outfielder Kenny Smith (Notre Dame High School).

Freshman on the LSUE roster from the local area include infielders Jacie McFarlain (Pine Prairie High School) and Karli Fontenot (Sacred Heart-Ville Platte High School), as well as utility players Sydnei Simon (Notre Dame High School), Jessi Cary (Rayne High School), Mia Romero (Loreauville High School), and Hailey Martinez (Port Barre High School).

LSUE won the 2019 NJCAA Division II National Championship, their 6th in the last 9 years (2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2019).

Former South Alabama standout Meghan Collins will enter her first season as head coach at LSUE, replacing Andy Lee, who compiled an impressive 582-107 record over 11 seasons, before leaving to take the head coaching position at Northwest Florida State College.

LSUE will open their fall schedule on Friday, September 13, when they host Nola Fastpitch at Lady Bengal Field in Eunice, La.

More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL