Ancelet inks with Northwestern

CROWLEY – Ever since she can remember, Northside Christian senior Sarah Ancelet has dreamed of playing college softball.

Last week, those dreams became reality when the two-time All-Stater inked a letter of intent to play softball for the Northwestern State University Lady Demons.

“It was a dream come true for me to be offered a college scholarship to do something I love,” said Ancelet, who plans to major in education at NSU and hopes to become a history teacher or guidance counselor as well as be a coach. “I thank God for giving me this opportunity.”

Ancelet, who was also being recruited by Nicholls State, said her decision to sign with NSU was based on a number of factors.

“I have known and admired coach Becky McMurtry for years since she played at UL-Lafayette,” said Ancelet. “She has always made me feel wanted and she recruited me to be a catcher, which is my favorite position. I think I will get to play very early in my college career.

“I also really loved the campus when I went to visit. I also like the fact that is just two hours away from here so my family will get to watch me play.”

Ancelet, a four-year letter winner who also participates in volleyball, basketball and track, has been a guiding force in Northside’s success during the past four seasons, helping guide the Lady Warriors to the playoffs each year, including two trips to the LHSAA Fast Pitch 56 State Tournament.

In the previous three years, Ancelet has been named to the All-District and All Parish team three times, including being named the Most Valuable Player on both teams her sophomore season. She was also named to the Class C All-State team the last two years.

This season, Ancelet has done her part yet again in helping her team earn the District 6-C championship with a perfect 4-0 record. During the regular season, she hit over .600 and collected nine doubles, three triples, five home runs and 21 RBI in 77 plate appearances.

The Lady Warriors will play host to Family Christian Thursday in the second round of the Class C playoffs after receiving a bye the first round. A victory by the Lady Warriors would send them to Sulphur’s Frasch Park for the third straight season where they would likely take on Starks in the quarterfinals on Friday, April 25.

Ancelet has also played summer ball with the Louisiana United Gold travel team the past three years and has also played for Lake Charles’ Southern Extreme and Lafayette’s Cajun Express.

She is the daughter of Rayford and Peggy Ancelet of Crowley.