Here are two softball programs:
Team A has been playing softball since the '70s. Since 1989, they've been in the NCAA Tournament every year except one, even when only 20 teams were being invited. Team A has been ranked in the Top 25 every season except one during that time. Team A is making its fifth appearance in the Women's College World Series. In their previous appearances, they've gone 0-2 only once. They've finished as high as third.
Team B just started playing softball in 1997. They just won their first league title in 2008. They are making their first appearance in the Women's College World Series.
Team B, in three previous tries, has never beaten Team A.
So, who's the underdog???
By now you know that Team A is Louisiana's Ragin Cajun Softball team. Team B is Florida.
When a team from the Sun Belt Conference makes it to the World Series, the national media is going to treat them like a Cinderella story. Louisiana-Lafayette, ULL, or just Louisiana simply doesn't have the name recognition of Florida. The Mighty Gators. Winners of National Championships in Football and Basketball. I get it. I understand it. Perception means so much.
Here's reality.
Cinderella doesn't wear Vermilion.
The Louisiana Softball program is among the nation's elite. Every year. No, they don't make it to Oklahoma City every year like UCLA, Arizona and many other Pac-10 schools. But they're in the mix to get there each season. Cinderella never went to the ball multiple times.
There's even a faction of Cajun fans that seem surprised when Cajun Softball has success. It's time for that to stop.
Vanessa Soto gets it. She doesn't want to hear about underdogs. "We know how good we are," she said after the game against Florida. And, it's time for ALL Cajun fans to follow that lead.
Even Co-head Coach Michael Lotief referred to his team as Cinderella during the opening montage before yesterday's game on ESPN. Mike, if you want to portray your team as such to the national media, that's fine. But deep down inside, I'm sure you know better, as well.
I don't know if this Cajun team is good enough to win the National Championship. That scenario will unfold over the next few days. They're doing it with outstanding senior leadership and a bunch of youngsters that go out and compete. Despite their youth, they don't play scared. They just play. And, they're among softball's elite. Again.
None of you should be surprised when a Cajun softball team has great accomplishments. They've been doing it for nearly two decades. I admit, I didn't know if this particular team would get where they are. But they're in Oklahoma City. In the winner's bracket. And, they act like they aren't satisfied with that.
Be proud, Cajun fans. Be proud that you have a sport where you can compete on the highest level that the NCAA has to offer. But don't be shocked. And don't call them Cinderella.
The glass slipper just doesn't fit any more.