In 2013, the LSU softball team’s freshman class led by Co-Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year Bianka Bell sparked an offensive rebirth that turned an offensively stagnant lineup into a powerful home run hitting machine.
The Tigers’ freshman class combined for 21 home runs, increasing the season home run total from 13 in 2012 to 40 in 2013.
With the departure of ace Rachele Fico, the offense may need to carry the team early as the team adjusts to the new pitching rotation that will feature senior pitcher Ashley Czechner and freshmen Kelsee Selman and Baylee Corbello.
Since the Lady Tigers return the majority of their starters from 2013, the offense combines experience with natural speed and power to make the offense more multi-dimensional.
The experience returning makes offseason preparation more focused on game planning and less on the basics because the more experienced players already have a strong understanding of the fundamentals, said LSU assistant coach Howard Dobson.
“When people faced us, they were out to get Bianka Bell as a freshman,” said coach Beth Torina. “I think she will do so much better understanding the mentality of that this year and be more disciplined. I think she is set to have a much better year this year even though she had a great year her first year.”
Last season, Bell’s 12 home runs tied for third in program history and finished in the Top-15 SEC in six statistical categories. This offseason, Bell said she focused on improving her mental approach to the game and her timing at the plate.
“Toward the end of the season, I had a mental breakdown before my last at-bat against ULL,” Bell said. “I tried to work on my mental game and how to stay focused on the game and not to get down before the game is over.”
Catcher Kellsi Kloss and first baseman Sandra Simmons solidified the middle of the Tigers’ lineup, batting sixth and seventh, for the majority of the season and combining for 59 RBIs.
Kloss said she worked in the offseason to improve hitting flaws that opposing teams could target this season.
Senior second baseman Allison Falcon said the sophomores’ roles in last season’s successes have naturally pushed them into vocal leadership positions.
Since the sophomores went through the same challenges last year, they easily connect and can help the incoming freshman, Dobson said.
One of these freshmen, catcher/infielder Sahvanna Jaquish adds another power hitter to LSU’s lineup. Jaquish hit 11 home runs and 48 RBIs in her senior season at Zedlands East Vally High School in Highland, Calif.
Torina said she will have a hard time keeping Jaquish’s power out of the lineup, giving yet another freshman the opportunity to make waves in the Tigers’ lineup.