We have learned from very reliable sources that UL Ragin' Cajun outfielder Katie Smith has a knee injury that will keep her out the remainder of the 2010 season.
Smith hurt her kne while scrmabling back into the second base bag in the UL/UTSA game Saturday, during the Houston/Marriott Softball Classic. in Houston, Texas.
It's a tough blow for the Cajuns, and for Smith, the junior from Ruston, who has been one of the most consistent performers for the Cajuns the last two-plus years.
She hit a .370 her freshman year, during the Cajuns' Women's College World Series run, while garnering All-Louisiana honors, and followed that with a sparkling sophomore season in 2009, in which she hit a .393, while being named second team All Sun Belt Conference.
No doubt the Cajuns will miss the speed and defense that Smith brings to the table.
On a positive note, the Cajuns are a deep team, and there's a lot of talent that co-head coaches Michael and Stefni Lotief can use to offset the loss.
The most likely option is to put freshman Sarah Draheim behind the plate, move Lana Bowers to first base, and move Christi Orgeron to the outfield.
That is what the Cajuns did on Sunday, in their match-up with Purdue.
This option takes away a little from the Cajuns, defensively, but gives them another potential power bat in the line-up.
Another option would be to insert freshman Jensen Tydelski into the everyday line-up.
Tydelski is similar to Smith, in that she's a slap-hitter, who runs really well, and really plays defense. She's just not as polished as Smith.
Paige Cormier is another possibility. The sophomore from Teurlings Catholic is much-improved over a year ago.
Let's also not forget about Ashley Ray. The sophomore from Beau Chene was, after all, an opening day starter in 2009.
The final option would be Taryn Broussard, a sophomore transfer who started 33 games for Texas A&M a season ago.
This situation may also allow talented freshman like Jennifer Martin, Brianna Cherry, and Megan Waterman more playing time as well.
Another bit of other good news regarding Smith is that she may be eligible for a medical redshirt, thereby giving her two years of eligibility left, if she chooses to take it.
The news on Smith is unfortunate, but this program has overcome a lot over the years, and I firmly believe the Cajuns will have another outstanding season this year despite it.
Who knows too...this may prove to be beneficial in the long run.