LAFAYETTE — When it comes to honoring the late Tony Robichaux, UL Baseball and all parties involved hit a home run on opening weekend.
From Friday's jersey retirement in front of a sold out crowd at Russo Park, to the private unveiling of his statue Saturday morning among family and friends, all gestures lived up to his legendary status.
But when it comes to on the field, the emotions of the weekend may have got the best of the Cajuns. Louisiana beginning the season 0-3, and it was in large part due to the struggles at the plate.
UL was only able to score 3 runs all weekend, with a batting average of .080 in their 3 contests against Southeastern and Louisiana Tech. 5 of their 7 hits came Friday against SLU.
Head Coach Matt Deggs says everyone was trying hard to win for Robe.
"When you want something so bad... It's not football, where you're bigger, stronger, faster, more physical and if you want to play for something, you're going to run over some people," Deggs explained. "Baseball is a different sport. It's a lot like golf. There's so much timing involved. If you can want something so bad that you don't play so well, and that's what you saw. I think you saw us come out really really fast. Over time when the results mounted up, then a little bit of being paralyzed set in."
Deggs took the blame Monday for not having his team ready to play, and yet there was no way to prepare UL for the emotions surrounding this weekend.
"I love this team. It's not a talent issue. It's not any one thing that you can pinpoint. It's a unique deal that there's just not a road map for.
The Cajuns will try to pick up their first win under Coach Deggs Tuesday, when they travel to Hammond to face Southeastern. First pitch is set for 6 pm.