NEW ORLEANS — First pitch for Xavier University
of Louisiana softball has arrived.
XULA will launch its first season of intercollegiate
competition at 10 a.m. Friday in Texarkana, Texas, against Texas A&M-Texarkana in the Eagle Classic.
XULA will play four times in the two-day event at Bramlett Field.
Other games will start at 3 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday against Lyon and noon
Saturday against Texas A&M-Texarkana.
Head coach
Leslie Ballard has assembled a 16-player roster:
•
Alyssa Barajas, a junior infielder from Paramount, Calif.
•
Mecolett Bradley, a junior infielder from Marrero, La.
•
Alison Curlin, a freshman utility player from Indianapolis.
•
Brittany Ensley, a senior pitcher from Springfield, Ore.
•
Shatavion Favors, a freshman infielder-outfielder from DeSoto, Texas.
•
Endya Gillard, a freshman outfielder from Prairieville, La.
•
Destyn Jones, a junior pitcher from New Orleans.
•
Mekayla Marshall, a freshman infielder from Lebanon, Tenn.
•
Tayla Medlin, a sophomore outfielder from Dallas.
•
Kassidy Moore, a freshman infielder from Shreveport, La.
•
Najah Nicholas, a freshman outfielder from Kenner, La.
•
Vannity Robles, a sophomore
pitcher-outfielder from Simi Valley, Calif.
•
Vivionna Robles, a sophomore pitcher-infielder
from Simi Valley, Calif. She is Vannity's twin.
•
NyKirra Taylor, a sophomore catcher-infielder from Pascagoula, Miss.
•
Macie Washington, a freshman catcher from Kansas City, Mo.
•
Tamia Washington, a freshman infielder from Gonzales, La.
The Friday weather forecast for Texarkana: partly cloudy, a high of 56 degrees
and a northeast wind.
XULA's home opener will start at 3 p.m. Feb. 11 in a doubleheader
against Bethel (Tenn.) at the softball facility at Wesley Barrow Stadium.
XULA will compete this season in the NAIA's
Association of Independent Institutions with 12 other softball schools, then join the Red River Athletic Conference
in July.
