May 20, 2012
LAFAYETTE, La. - The 16th-ranked Stanford softball team fell 6-2 at No. 7 Louisiana-Lafayette, Sunday, in the Lafayette Regional Final at Lamson Park in Lafayette, La. The Cardinal, which needed to win twice on Sunday to advance, ends the year at 40-19, while the Ragin' Cajuns (52-4) advance to a super regional and will face the winner of the Tempe Regional.
Junior pitcher Teagan Gerhart took the loss in the circle, ending the year with a 32-13 overall record. Freshman Nyree White made her first postseason appearance, entering the game in relief in the fourth inning. ULL's Ashley Brignac picked up the win, improving to 23-3. Freshman Jordan Wallce earned the save for the Ragin' Cajuns.
Offensively, Stanford was led by senior catcher Maya Burns, who was 2-for-3 with an RBI. Senior Ashley Hansen hit a double in the third inning, the 81st of her career. She ends her time on The Farm as the Cardinal's career leader in doubles and triples (18).
The Ragin' Cajuns pulled ahead 2-0 in the bottom of the first inning. Right fielder Christi Orgeron hit a single through the left side to score left fielder Katie Smith from second. First baseman Matte Haack was then called out on an infield fly, but an error by Stanford third baseman Hanna Winter allowed ULL's runners to advance to second and third. A sacrifice fly by center fielder Brianna Cherry scored Nerissa Myers.
ULL increased its lead to 3-0 in the bottom of the third. Orgeron hit a solo home run to centerfield, her 22nd of the season.
The Ragin' Cajuns tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the fourth as catcher Sarah Draheim hit a two-run shot to left field.
Stanford scored its two runs in the top of the sixth inning. Junior Jenna Rich and freshman Cassandra Roulund hit back-to-back singles for the Cardinal. Burns then brought Rich home with a single up the middle. Designated player Danielle Miller then hit an RBI single to left field to score Roulund.
ULL added its final run in the bottom of the sixth. Orgeron hit a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded to score third baseman Natalie Fernandez.
Stanford made its 15th consecutive postseason appearance in 2012 and reached the 40-win mark for the 13th time in program history.