The commencement of the No. 3 LSU softball team’s season is approaching a school-record level, but a significant challenge awaits in the form of No. 2 Texas. The upcoming match at Tiger Park on Tuesday, set to begin at 11 a.m., poses a formidable test for the Tigers (22-0). Despite sweeping Kentucky on the road last weekend, LSU faces a quick turnaround to prepare for a team currently ranked first in hitting and fifth in ERA nationally.
To surpass their previous record start of 25-0 in 2015, LSU must secure victory in four consecutive games. However, the encounter with the 23rd-ranked Texas team in 2024 is shaping up to be their most challenging yet. LSU coach Beth Torina is currently focused on the team’s immediate performance rather than contemplating record-breaking feats.
“We’ve emphasized the importance of ignoring external chatter, maintaining focus, and blocking out distractions,” she stated. “This mindset is not just applicable during challenging times but also when things are going well – disregarding opinions and external noise, staying true to ourselves and our game.”
Houston (12-10) ended the Longhorns’ (21-1) eight-game winning run on Thursday. They have defeated Tennessee, UL, and Stanford twice; their lone other defeat came at the hands of Stanford, 4-3.
In 2022, LSU and Texas faced each other, with the Longhorns securing a three-game series sweep in Austin, Texas.
Commenting on the upcoming matchup with Texas, LSU coach Beth Torina acknowledged the formidable nature of their opponent. Torina highlighted Texas’s strength in possessing a deep pitching staff that offers a variety of looks, making it challenging to prepare for in a short one-day turnaround. She noted the diversity in their pitching repertoire, including power, spin, change-up, and left-handed throws.
Torina also emphasized Texas’s speed-based offense, noting their exceptional running abilities and speed throughout the lineup. Texas boasts the nation’s highest team batting average at .401, spearheaded by designated hitter Joley Mitchell, catcher Reese Atwood, and center fielder Kayden Henry.
Joley Mitchell is showcasing an impressive performance at the plate with a batting average of .490, four home runs, 17 RBIs, and an outstanding .596 on-base percentage. Reese Atwood leads the nation with a batting average of .458, along with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs. Kayden Henry, the leadoff batter, maintains a solid .426 batting average, contributing six home runs, 17 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases in 13 attempts. As a team, Texas has stolen 43 bases out of 51 attempts.
Despite Texas pitching entering the Houston series with an impressive 0.68 ERA, it rose to 1.22 after conceding 20 runs in three games. Teagen Kavan, the Longhorns’ pitching ace, boasts a remarkable 10-0 record with a 1.22 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 51⅔ innings, limiting opponents to a .132 batting average against her.
A notable weakness for the Longhorns is their fielding, with a .955 percentage that ranks 198th in the country.
In contrast, LSU demonstrated versatility in their recent sweep of No. 21 Kentucky. They secured a win in Game 2 by scoring in the top of the seventh inning and clinched Game 3 with a six-run outburst in the sixth inning to break a tie.
The Tigers displayed an impressive offensive performance, amassing a total of 35 hits in their recent games. Freshman third baseman Sierra Daniel stood out with six hits, leading the charge. Ali Newland contributed two crucial hits that played a pivotal role in securing the lead, adding to her total of five hits. Both McKenzie Redoutey and Maci Bergeron also contributed significantly with five hits each.
On the pitching front, Sydney Berzon pitched a total of 10⅓ innings, earning two victories. She allowed 12 hits and three walks while recording nine strikeouts.
Coach Beth Torina praised the team’s resilience and adaptability, noting their ability to overcome challenges such as weather, delays, rain, and the strategies of Kentucky’s pitchers. Torina highlighted the team’s veteran experience, emphasizing their consistent ability throughout the season to find solutions and secure victories, even when the circumstances are not always ideal.