COLLEGE STATION -- The chatter around a baseball field at a small college in Louisiana quieted for one at-bat.
During a preseason intrasquad scrimmage at Bossier Parish Community College, the pitcher with the ponytail gripped the ball in her left hand, looking to make a statement.
Sarah Hudek wanted to prove she belonged.
One of her teammates, a starting outfielder, said Hudek couldn't strike him out. A few pitches later, she fanned him looking at one of her fastballs. Another critic had been silenced.
During her days playing baseball in high school and year in Bossier City, Hudek showed she could play with the guys.