Tech softball loses key player

Louisiana Tech softball has big production to replace in the circle.

Brook Melnychuk, a redshirt junior, announced in a social media post Friday her plans to enter the transfer portal after playing two seasons with the Bulldogs.

After sitting out the 2022 season due to a preseason injury, Melnychuk burst onto the scene for Tech in 2023 with a team- best 2.04 ERA in 75 2/3 innings while striking out 27 batters.

She followed up with an even better season this spring, leading Tech in qualified ERA once again at 2.77 and making a team-high 36 appearances and 20 starts. Melnychuk struck out 67 batters in 124 innings and saved her best for last with three straight complete games in her final three starts as a Bulldog.

“I would like to thank Louisiana Tech University and my teammates for the past three years,” Melnychuk said in her post. “I have created so many memories and this program has truly allowed me to grow as an athlete. With that being said, it is best for me as a person to continue my athletic and academic career at another school for my last year. Thank you to everyone supporting my journey. I can’t wait to see where my next chapter takes me.”

Over her final three starts, Melnychuk allowed a single run in 21 innings, all while issuing one walk and 13 hits to 11 strikeouts. Melnychuk made 60 appearances at Tech, including 33 starts, with a 2.49 ERA for her career.