The LSU softball team has speed, and it knows how to use it. 
The Tigers’ speed is the key to their offense, providing sparks for rallies that lead to multiple run innings.
In their first six games of the season, the Tigers have stolen 17 bases, leading to 34 runs.
In the Tigers’ wins, they have stolen 14 bases, while in their losses to Texas and Minnesota they combined to steal three bases. 
In 2013, the Tigers were 27-3 when junior outfielder A.J. Andrews scored at least one run. 
Andrews leads the team with 19 stolen bases in 2013.
“It definitely gives us a completely different dimension to our game,” LSU coach Beth Torina said. “And I think the steals and the momentum it brings to the game can really be game changing.”
During the Tiger Classic last weekend, LSU scored multiple runs in seven innings.
In the Tigers’ highest scoring inning, they stole three bases, leading to seven runs.
“We have so many on this team that are capable of stealing bases — A.J. [Andrews], Simone [Heyward], Jacee [Blades], Alex Boulet and Bailey Landry,” Torina said. “Not only do they sparkplug the offense, but they truly change the momentum of the game.” 
Steals put speed players into position to score runs, which provide more opportunities for the power hitters in the lineup, like sophomore shortstop Bianka Bell and freshman catcher Sahvanna Jaquish, to hit more RBIs, Andrews said.  
“Instead of just scoring one or two, I think we’re able to score six, eight, 10 by those guys running the base like that,” Torina said. 
Speed not only scores runs, but also puts pressure on opposing defenses. 
“I think it puts a lot of pressure on the defense, because they never really know how to play us,” Andrews said. “You can’t just focus on getting that batter out. What if they steal second? What if they steal third? It boggles the defense and really makes them think more, which can stress them out and can ultimately lead to errors.”
The speed these players bring changes the nature of the game for the Tigers’ defense as well. 
“We do a lot of our infielding practice with our speed outfielders,” said sophomore first baseman Sandra Simmons, “So we get that chance to not panic. … Having that chance to work with them gives us the calmness of knowing what to do when it happens [playing against speed players].”