CLEARWATER, Fla. – With a four-way deadlock at the top of the final standings, the No. 12 Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns were eventually named the champions of the 2013 NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic via run differential after posting a 4-1 overall record at the event.

ULL equaled No. 15 Michigan, UCF and DePaul with identical 4-1 marks, but won on run differential on the strength of routing James Madison (9-1, 6 inn.) on Sunday.  The Wolverines had entered the final day unbeaten at the tournament, but suffered a 4-3 defeat at the hands of DePaul, opening the door for the Ragin’ Cajuns, Knights and Blue Demons to have an opportunity to claim the crown. 

Michigan’s Sara Driesenga was tabbed as the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic’s Most Valuable Pitcher after posting a 4-1 record from the circle with a 1.76 ERA, three complete games, 29 strikeouts in 30.2 innings of work and a no-hitter during a 3-0 victory over Hofstra.  She also hit .308 at the plate with four walks, an on-base percentage of .474 and five RBIs. 

Laura Canopy of Illinois State was chosen as the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic’s Most Valuable Player.  The infielder hit .389 overall (7-for-18) with two doubles, a triple, a homer and a tournament-leading 11 RBIs for the Redbirds.  In fact, Canopy was responsible for 42 percent of her team’s total RBI production during the weekend.

NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic All-Tournament Team

Most Valuable Player: Laura Canopy, Illinois State

Most Valuable Pitcher: Sara Driesenga, Michigan

Ashley Lane, Michigan

Allie Braden, DePaul

Kirsten Verdun, DePaul

Morgan Barchan, Southern Illinois

Jayna Spivey, Southern Illinois

Tessa Ziemba, Hofstra

Justine Vela, UC Davis

Erica Field, James Madison

Brianna Cherry, Louisiana-Lafayette

Shellie Landry, Louisiana-Lafayette

Shelby Turner, UCF

Melanie Habib, Pacific