Archive for Softball

Congratulations to Sarah Treadaway for being selected to the 2011 Louisiana Softball Coaches Association All-State Team at first base.  She is only the 3rd Ursuline player to receive this honor. Way to go, Sarah!

Benoit '13 Ended 2011 With A Memory-Making Plate Appearance

On behalf of the Ursuline Academy family, we would like to congratulate Coach Garrison and the Ursuline Academy Softball team for its very successful season. The Lions, highlighted by a 10-1 record in the second half of the season, continued its winning ways during the first two rounds of the LHSAA Class 4A State Tournament. After picking up wins over Pearl River High School and Breaux Bridge High School, the team made its first trip to the annual LHSAA Fast Pitch 56 Tournament in Sulpur, Louisiana. It is at this tournament that the future state champion enters the field and defeats three highly-competitive, impressive teams. For our Lions, the task was never greater. Having pulled Sam Houston High School (a previous State Finalist) in the State Quarterfinals, many experts wondered if Ursuline would be “one and done” and if so, just how bad would the #1 seed beat the #8 Ursuline team. However, our Lions knew what they had: an extremely talent-heavy ball club with a powerful offense up and down the line-up. Prior to the start of the State Quarterfinals, there were no signs of nerves reckoning havoc on our Lions. Ursuline was focused and excited..they were ready to compete and pull-off one of the biggest upsets in the history of the LHSAA State Tournament.

After falling behind 0 -2 in the game, sophomore Kailyn Benoit ‘13 stepped to the plate. Knowing that the Sam Houston pitcher had continually thrown pitches up and out of the strike zone, the sophomore slugger patiently waited for “the right pitch”. Refusing to fall prey to the non-strike deliveries of the pitcher, Benoit ‘13 was able to get ahead in the count and force a fastball right down the strikezone. Having launched eight previous homeruns during the 2011 season, our fans were hoping, “Get one Kailyn…drive one”. And with excitement building in the stands, Benoit ‘13 launched a monster of a shot to deep left field. There was no doubt that the game was now tied at two. When the ball landed deep in the left field bleachers, the Ursuline team raced to homeplate to congratulate and celebrate the big moment. At the halfway point of the game, Ursuline and the #1 seeded Sam Houston Broncos were tied at 2-2.

As the game progressed, Sam Houston would score two additional runs. When the Lions were unable to pick up key hits late in the game or to have runners reach base, time ran out on Ursuline’s Cinderella Season. For many teams, tonight’s defeat would have been a crushing blow to the program’s future success. However, one thing we noticed after the game, there were more smiles present than there were tears flowing. The Lions said it best when they mentioned they would be back next year. We have no doubt that the Lions are going to return in 2012…. you may want to make your reservations now, because we have a strong feeling that the Lions will make history next year.  

Time to Take "The Greatest Show on Dirt" on the Road to Sulphur, La.

On behalf of the entire Ursuline Academy family, we would like to congratulate Coach Garrison and Ursuline Softball for its 4-3 win over Breaux Bridge High School on Thursday afternoon. With its second round victory, Ursuline became one of the Elite 8 still alive in the 2011 Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s Class 4A State Tournament. This will be Ursuline’s first trip to the Big Show and the team, the coaches, and the team’s huge cheering section (as seen during the 2nd round victory) could not be any more excited than they are at this time. The State Quaterfinals begin on Friday with the State Semi-Finals and Finals set for Saturday at Frasch Park in Sulphur, Louisiana. For years, team members have dreamed about going to Frasch Park, and for the first time, our Lions will no longer be spectators at the Big Show but instead will be competitors. Once again, congratulations to Ursuline Softball for a job very well done.

Ursuline Celebrates Its Biggest Win; TICKET IS OFFICIALLY PUNCHED FOR ADMISSION TO THE BIG SHOW.

1 Down ... 4 to Go

Congratulations to Coach Garrison and the Ursuline Softball team for its 11-1 victory over Pearl River in the opening round of the 2011 Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s Class 4A State Tournament. On their home field (until we build ourn ew shrine on State St … cross fingers and think positive thoughts softball fans), , the 8th ranking Lions defeated district opponent Pearl River to advance to the second round of the tournament. A you are aware, the eventual state champion must win five games in order to capture the title. With Monday’s win, Ursuline is within four (4) wins of the title. The team now awaits the outcome of the Breaux Bridge vs. Franklinton game which will be played later today. If Breaux Bridge wins, Ursuline will host Breaux Bridge in New Orleans, however, if Franklinton wins, Ursuline will travel to the northshore for the second round. If Ursuline hosts the next round of the playoffs, the game will most-likely be played on Thursday.

The Lions had a four (4) run first inning explosion highlighted by three consecutive, run-scoring hits by Benoit ‘13, Treadaway ‘12, and Ingles ‘11. Later in the game Rabalais ‘13 would deliver a two-run single and the game ended with a two-run single by junior Chloe Mena ‘12.

Ingles '11 Leaving Her Final Marks on UA Athletics

On Thursday, April 7^th, members of the Ursuline Academy senior class (SiouXI), the Ursuline Academy Softball program, and Ursuline Academy Administration joined with the Ingles Family to partake in the official letter of intent signing of senior Katie Ingles ’11. As starting pitcher for the Ursuline Academy Softball program, Ingles ’11 has been a leader on the field for the past four seasons. As the only senior on this year’s team, Ingles ’11 is using her experience and leadership to help lead Ursuline Academy into the 2011 post-season. Presently, our Lions are in second place while holding on to a possible chance to advance toward a district co-championship at the end of the season.

Following her four productive seasons, Katie Ingles ’11 has agreed to continue her softball career by participating as a member of the Spring Hill Badgers.

We congratulate Katie, her family, and her coaches for a successful season. With three games remaining prior to post-season play, Ingles ’11 will attempt to postpone her farewell as long as possible…. Perhaps until late April in Sulphur, La.

On Thursday night, Ursuline Academy will honor Katie with Senior Night during the team’s last home game (played at the Carrolton Fields beginning at 4:00pm).

Congratulations to Ursuline Softball for its 13-1 victory over Pearl River High School. With the victory, Ursuline has moved into second place in the district trailing Cabrini High School. Needing a win in Thursday’s game to keep alive the team’s slim chance of a district championship, Coach Garrison turned the UA offense loose on the visiting team. After a four (4) run first inning, it was clear that Ursuline Softball was going to do everything it could to have a shot at the district title. The offense would continue for the next four innings resulting in nine (9) additional runs. The offensive explosion was highlighted by a towering homerun over the left-centerfield fence by senior starting pitcher Katie Ingls ‘11. With the final games of her highschool career approaching, Ingles ‘11 is going to deliver in every way possible to ensure her career extends as long as possible.

Can Ursuline win the District Championship?

The answer is yes, however, the team will need help from a district opponent.

• If Ursuline wins its remaining district games including the game at Cabrini High School, and one district team (Pearl River, East Jefferson, Franklinton, Salmen) defeats Cabrini High School, Cabrini and Ursuline will finish with identical district records and be forced to play a district tie-breaker game.
• If Ursuline loses to Cabrini High School at Carbini High School, Cabrini will claim the 2011 district title.

There are other possible scenarios but the above two are the most-likely scenarios. Therefore, Ursuline will need a little help and will need to take care of business on its end. Regardless of the district title, the team is looking to win its remaining games to improve its overall ranking in the playoffs. If the team can finish in the Top 16 of the Class 4A schools, Ursuline will host a first round playoff game. If the team finishes below the 16 mark, the team will be forced to travel in the opening round.

Stay tuned …. things are getting interesting at The Greatest Show on Dirt.  

Though one of the physically smallest players on the team, Nicholas '12 brings with her one of UA's biggest bats.

Congratulations to Coach Garrison and the Ursuline Academy Softball team for its two wins in yesterday’s doubleheader against Salmen High School. With the victories, Ursuline improves its record to 11-9 as the second round of district play begins. Presently, our Lions are ranked 3rd in the district trailing Pearl River High School and the district leading Crescents of Cabrini High School. Thursday’s game is HUGE for the Lions. A win, and the team remains alive for the district championship. A loss will make it very difficult for the team to win the district title. Simply put, Thursday is a must-win game for the team. 

If you have not had a chance to see this very-talented group of young women play, please join us on Thursday at 4:00pm on the Carrollton Fields behind Audubon Zoo. The Lions need you in attendance as they begin the task of “running the table” and forcing a district tie-breaker at the end of the season. Lets join together and help push the softball team to the top of the district. 

See you Thursday !  

Here are some pictures from Tuesday’s game.

Jurisich '14 Has Been One of UA's Biggest Offensive Contributors

Congratulations to Coach Garrison and Ursuline Sofball for its 8 – 3 victory over Franklinton High School on Tuesday evening. With the win, Ursuline improves its overall record to 4- 2 and 1-1 in district play. The district victory was fueled by a total team effort. Behind the pitching of senior Katie Ingles ‘11 and a powerful offensive showing, Ursuline showed signs of being a legitimate contender for the district title. Five (5) players drove home runs in the big voctory. Sophomore Bailey Adams ‘13 scored the team’s first two runs on a two-out RBI single to centerfield in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Trailign Franklinton High School 2-3 in the bottom of the fourth, Cassidy Eymard ‘12 tied the game at 3-3 prior to freshman Jenna Jurisich ‘14 delivering what would be the game winning hit: a two run RBI double. Irianne Nicholas ‘12 and Meta Hight ‘14 eachcontributed to the scoring bonanza with back to back RBI Sac Flys to make the score 6-3, and then 7-3. Ursuline would add its eighth run in the bottom of the fifth when first baseman Sarah Treadaway ‘12 delivered a sacrifice bunt to advance Chloe Mena ‘12. When Franklinton’s defense misplayed the fielding opportunity, Mena ‘12 advanced from second base all the way to home.  

 You can next see Ursuline Softball:

• Thursday – March 4th
• at East Jefferson High School
• 4:00pm

The Bats Are Coming Alive; It's Big Girl Time

On Friday, Ursuline Softball began play in the 2011 McGehee Softball Tournament held at the new Carrollton Softball Complex. Our Lions entered the weekend play with a record of 1-1 (a win over Mount Carmel and a loss to Pearl River). A strong showing at the weekend tournament would go a long way in proving that Ursuline Academy will be a major player in the 2011 LHSAA Class 4A State Championships in late April. When the final out was recorded late Saturday afternoon, Ursuline had improved its record to 3-2 on the season byfollowing an opening game loss to Riverside Academy with back to back wins against Catholic-New Iberia and The Academy of Our Lady.

Highlights – Game 3 versus Riverside Academy

The opening game of the tournament saw the two teams battle to a 0-0 score at the endof regulation. With little offense occurringon either side, or perhaps just really good pitching on both sides, the teams were allowed to play an additional inning given that the official 1hr 45minute time limit had not yet expired. The Top of the 8thended up not being very kind to our Lions as Riverside Academy scored two unanswered runs to take a 2-0 victory over Ursuline. Riverside scored the game-winning run on a two-out-RBI (run-batted-in) double and would add the final run following an error by UA.

 Highlights – Game 4 versus Catholic High School of New Iberia

Following a very sub-par offensive performance to open the tournament that saw Ursuline collect a mere two hits in eight innings, Ursuline responded well at the expense of Catholic of New Iberia. Following a scoreless first inning, senior Katie Ingles ‘11 hit a triple to right field and scored the first run of the game on a fielder’s choice by Kailyn Benoit ‘13. UA fans were reminded of the program’s bright future when the freshmen duo of Meta Hight ‘14 and Jenna Jurisich ‘14 combined on the next scoring opportunity. After Hight ‘14 reached on a fielding error by Catholic, Jenna Jurisich ‘14 delivered a picture-perfect clinic of what a line-drive shot to left field should look like. Upon impact, the UA cheering section rose to its feet knowing that Jurisich ‘14 had nailed the fastball delivery. Hight’14 would scored Ursuline’s second run. Not satisfied with the two run lead, junior Emily Niehaus ‘12 singled to right field to score Jurisich ‘14 and to pick up her first RBI of the season (congratulations, Emily). Just as the UA fans began to comment, “Looks like the bats have come alive“, Rachael Rabalais ‘13 joined in on the scoring parade with a single to rightfield which made the score 4-0 in the Top of the 2nd Inning.

Catholic of New Iberia would cut the UA lead in half (2-4) over the next two inning by scoring on a wild pitch / passed ball in each of the 2nd and 3rd innings. Realizing that the opponent was slowly chipping away at the its lead and in need of a win to move the team back to .500 on the season, one of UA’s most well-known athletes stepped up in a delivered in a clutch situation. Sarah Treadaway ‘12 drilled a monster of a shot into the right-centerfield gap that short-hopped the fence. The double resulted in Ursuline scoring two runs and advancing its lead to 6-2. Ingles’11 would add her second triple of the night to make the score 7-2.

Highlights of Game 5 versus Academy of Our Lady

Withour Lions standing on a 2-2 record entering game 5 of the 2011 season, Ursuline fans were hoping for a win to keep the team’s season winning percentage over .500. With the powerful Academy of Our Lady standing across the diamond, it was clear that a win would not come easy in Saturday’s finale. With the team trailing 2-4 in its last at bat, the chance of victory appeared slim. However, Ursuline Softball has a long history of scoring late in games resulted in the team once being affectionately known as The Comeback Kids. In her first game since reporting from her basketball season, junior Cassidy Eymard ‘12 singled from the 9 hole spot to start the top of the last inning. Chloe Mena ‘12 reached on a base on balls and Meta Hight ‘14 delivered a sacrifice bunt to move Eymard ‘12 and Mena ‘12 into scoring position. When Rabalais ‘13 was unable to score the runners, Ursuline was down to its last at bat. Sophomore Kailyn Benoit ‘13 walked to the plate withan opportunity to deliver the biggest hit of the season. With all the weight of victory now on her shoulders, the starting third baseman opened-up on the AOL delivery and drove the pitch over the fence to the delight of all UA fans. Ursuline erupted having taken a 5-4 lead over AOL. When AOL was retired 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 7th, Ursuline had once again lived up to the nickname The Comeback Kids with a 5-4 victory to improve its season record to 3-2.