The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns softball team is searching for momentum, and despite a tough weekend at home, head coach Alyson Habetz and her players remain confident that the pieces are falling into place.

The Cajuns dropped the first two games of the series against James Madison but bounced back on Sunday with a hard-fought win, fueled by clutch performances and renewed energy. Freshman pitcher Mallory Weaver led the way in the circle, showing signs that she’s regaining her edge after battling through the typical ups and downs of a first-year campaign.

“It was nice being at home in front of Ragin’ Cajun fans,” said Habetz. “Not the outcome we wanted in the first two games, but we kept fighting and ended up getting a good W in the last game. Mallory Wheeler in the circle was very encouraging. We saw some players step up who hadn’t really come through yet, which gives us hope moving forward.”

The weekend win was much needed for a team that has endured multiple one-run losses — six of their nine conference defeats have come by the slimmest of margins.

“That’s the good news,” Habetz said. “It tells us that we’re right there. We know we can beat anyone — no one’s dominating us. We’re going to keep working hard and find ways to turn those one-run losses into one-run wins.”

Freshman Emily Smith, a steady contributor at the plate and in the field, acknowledged the mental challenge that comes with inconsistency, especially for underclassmen.

“My confidence never waivers,” she said. “If I strike out or hit a home run, I go up to the plate with the same mindset. I’ve really had to learn to leave the last at-bat behind. What matters is the next one.”

Defensively, she’s settling in as well. “I feel more comfortable every day,” Smith added. “I just work hard and do my best out there.”

Wheeler  echoed the importance of mental toughness, pointing to a pivotal outing at Louisiana Tech as a turning point in her season. “I think I definitely got my swag back at Louisiana Tech,” she said. “It was the first game where I really had confidence in myself again. Even though we lost a heartbreaker, I felt like I had turned a corner. My teammates believing in me meant the world.”

Habetz also praised Wheeler’s growth, especially in the mental aspect of pitching. “She worked through that little bit of doubt, and that’s all it takes sometimes,” she said. “She’s earned our confidence, and it helps redefine everyone’s role moving forward. We know we can count on her for a strong start — or even to close — but it’s going to take a staff.”

The Cajuns also benefited from timely relief appearances, such as Tyra Clary closing out Sunday’s win to prevent opposing hitters from seeing Wheeler for a fourth time.

Looking ahead, Louisiana faces South Alabama — a program Habetz described as a “tough, tradition-rich” opponent, even if the Jaguars are also having a challenging season.

“It’s going to be a dogfight,” she said. “They have good pitching, good hitters, and we know what to expect. We’ve had a lot of one-run games with them in the past, and I expect the same.”

Despite the setbacks, Habetz continues to be proud of the way her team sticks together.

“They fight, they stay positive, and they stay together,” she said. “Our freshmen don’t play like freshmen. Emily is as steady as they come. And with Mallory — she’s a freshman, but she’s carrying herself like a veteran.”

Both Smith and Wheeler expressed how much it means to have Habetz’s trust, regardless of results.

“Coach Ally’s trust is a game-changer,” Smith said. “No matter what kind of game I have, her faith in me doesn’t change.”

“She told me this weekend, ‘I always want you in that position,’” Wheeler added. “Hearing that from her just boosts my confidence even more.”

With their belief in each other unwavering, the Ragin’ Cajuns are hoping this is the spark they need to shift the season’s momentum — one pitch, one play, and one win at a time.

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