LeBlanc, team end season one win short of title

Making it to the collegiate playoffs is a big deal for anyone that is involved, but for Brittany LeBlanc, a graduate of North Vermilion in 2011, making the playoffs is old news, winning an NAIA National Championship is what is on her mind.
LeBlanc’s, William Carey team finished one game short of winning the 2014 NAIA National Softball Championship.
“It was devestating to lose in the final game of the national championship,” LeBlanc said. “I know that we worked so hard, and battled the entire playoff tournament. I’m so proud because we never gave up. It was an amazing experience.”
LeBlanc pitched in six of the seven games for the Lady Crusaders and finished with a record of 3-1.
Two of her appearances were no decisions and unfortunately the first loss was in the second game of the finals.
LeBlanc was the winning pitcher in the first game of the finals against Auburn-Montgomery which forced the if necessary game.
“We started the season off well,” LeBlanc said. “We jumped on a lot of teams early and scored a lot of runs.
“I was able to excel on the mound because I had a great defense and an awesome offense behind me.”
The loss in the national championship game has motivated LeBlanc to come back better next season than she was this season.
“I’m starting cross fit to stay in shape,” LeBlanc said. “I’m also working on my pitching to make sure that I am the best player I can be come next season.”
Fortunately for LeBlanc she will get a bit of a break for the summer.
“I’m going to be home till about August, and then I will be headed back to school,” LeBlanc said. “It will be nice to be home for an entire summer. I have missed my parents and my friends, and I think this will be a good way for me to get focused for next season.”
If the rest of the Lady Crusaders are as dedicated to getting back to the national championship as LeBlanc is, then William Carey will need to make room for a National Championship trophy in their trophy case.