Crowley's Huval signs with Alabama Southern

CROWLEY – For Crowley High center fielder Loralyn Huval, the opportunity to play college softball has always been a dream.

Following a stellar senior season which saw her excel both at the plate and in the field, those dreams have become reality as Huval inked a national letter of intent to play softball at Alabama Southern Community College in the fall.

“I always did want to play softball in college,” said Huval. “I was hoping that would get me an education that I wouldn’t have to pay for. That was my number one goal – to play softball in college.”

Huval, who considered walking on at LSU-Eunice, said there were a few intangibles that factored into her decision to sign with Alabama Southern. One being a full scholarship and the other being the chance to reunite with former teammate Crista Richard.

“Once they offered me a full scholarship, I couldn’t really pass that up,” said Huval. “I’m really excited and Crista was a big part of my decision. If she wouldn’t have been there, I probably wouldn’t have signed because I wouldn’t have known anyone over there. Having her there with me will help my transition a lot.”

Richard also played a key role in getting Huval to ASCC.

“I got a chance to see Loralyn once last year while recruiting Crista and I was very impressed with her,” said Alabama Southern coach Elaine Covin. “And, I rely a lot on my players to recommend kids from their home towns to me. I know that they are not going to recommend anyone that can’t get the job done for us. As soon as I asked Crista, Loralyn was the first name that popped out of her mouth so I jumped at the chance and called her. She came for a visit, we liked her, she liked us and now she’s going to be one of us.”

“I like her speed, I like her attitude and another thing I like is the fact that she has had good coaching so that makes my job easier when they get to me.”

Not only will Huval and Richard play on the same team again, but both are expected to roam the same outfield next season.

“Actually, Loralyn will probably be a starting outfielder for us next year,” said Covin. “We lost two sophomore outfielders that were starters and we have two other outfielders that aren’t returning next year. But as of now, our outfield for next season is looking really good speed wise with Loralyn and Crista and another kid I have coming in.”

Huval finished her prep career a little less than a month ago after helping lead the CHS Ladies to their first playoff appearance in recent history. The Ladies dropped a heartbreaking first-round playoff game to highly favored Buckeye, 3-2.

Huval caught fire in district play, hitting a team leading .565. On the year, she hit for an average of .425 with three doubles, two triples and three home runs. She also drove in 14 runs and stole 11 bases.

“Loralyn was a big part of our success this year not only with her glove and her bat but with her leadership,” said CHS coach Brian Gary. “I always knew that she could compete with anyone in the state defensively but I really didn’t know how good she offensively because the first three years, she played basketball. She would come to us after 10 or 12 games already played and she would press at the plate and try to pull everything. This year, she gave up basketball and in January, she realized how to use all parts of the field and learned how to go the opposite way. From there, her average just skyrocketed. She finished hitting about a .430 clip which is just unbelievable.”

“I think this will be a wonderful experience for Loralyn. Coach Covin is not only a great coach but she really cares for her athletes and that’s why I feel comfortable sending mine to her. She’s got a teammate over there already and I think that will make her transition a little easier. I think she’s going to blossum and love it up there.”

Loralyn is the daughter of Bryan and Roxanna Huval of Crowley.