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Ragin' Cajuns Sweep LSU Purple and Gold Challenge
Louisiana softball team posts two wins on opening day of tournament
Feb. 21, 2026 at 3:03am
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The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Softball team swept play on Day 1 of the LSU Purple and Gold Challenge, defeating Howard 4-0 and Michigan State 6-1. The offense backed up strong pitching performances, with Bethaney Noble tossing a complete-game shutout against Howard and Julianne Tipton and Lexie Delbrey combining to limit Michigan State to one run.
Why it matters
This sweep marks a strong start to the Ragin' Cajuns' seven-game road trip, as they look to build momentum heading into conference play. The team's ability to win convincingly against non-conference opponents demonstrates their depth and versatility, which could pay dividends later in the season.
The details
Against Howard, the Ragin' Cajuns broke a scoreless tie with runs in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings, led by Madyson Manning's 2-for-3 performance and Dayzja Williams' triple and run scored. Bethaney Noble pitched a complete-game shutout, scattering six hits and striking out four. In the second game, Haley Hart's three-run homer in the first inning gave Louisiana an early lead, and the team added three more runs later in the game to secure the 6-1 victory over Michigan State.
- The games were played on Friday, February 21, 2026 at Tiger Park in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The players
Bethaney Noble
A senior pitcher for the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns who tossed a complete-game shutout against Howard, scattering six hits and striking out four.
Haley Hart
A Ragin' Cajuns player who hit a three-run homer in the first inning to give Louisiana an early lead against Michigan State.
Julianne Tipton
A Ragin' Cajuns pitcher who allowed one run on six hits over five innings against Michigan State, striking out two.
Lexie Delbrey
A Ragin' Cajuns pitcher who tossed two scoreless innings in relief against Michigan State, retiring all six batters she faced.
Emily Smith
A Ragin' Cajuns player who hit a two-run homer in the sixth inning to extend Louisiana's lead against Michigan State.
What’s next
The Ragin' Cajuns will continue their participation in the LSU Purple and Gold Challenge on Saturday, February 21, 2026, facing Howard at 11:00 a.m. and host-and No. 17-ranked LSU at 4:00 p.m.
The takeaway
The Ragin' Cajuns' dominant performances on opening day of the LSU Purple and Gold Challenge demonstrate the team's depth and versatility, which could prove crucial as they look to build momentum heading into conference play later in the season.
