The LSU softball team became the new No. 1 team in the country Tuesday, but that didn’t intimidate Nicholls State University.
The Colonels (16-9, 4-2 Southland Conference) traveled to Baton Rouge and put up a fight against the Tigers (28-1, 5-1 Southeastern Conference) for the majority of Tuesday’s game. Nicholls grabbed the lead in the top of the third inning before LSU drew level in the bottom half of the frame. The Tigers couldn’t grab the lead and start to pull away until the bottom of the fifth inning en route to a 6-1 victory.
The game highlighted one thing about LSU’s schedule — there aren’t very many easy games, if any at all.
“These kids came to LSU to be challenged,” said LSU coach Beth Torina. “They enjoy it, they thrive on it. They want the challenge, so they love this schedule.
The Tigers’ last action before the game against Nicholls was against previously undefeated and No. 1 Florida.
Not only did the Tigers have to face the nation’s top-ranked team that had already taken down No. 2 Oregon and No. 4 Michigan, they were forced to play at the Gators’ home field. LSU passed the test, winning the series by taking two of three games.
“Coming off the weekend, we’re all excited, but you have to play everyone like they are ranked No. 1,” said sophomore pitcher Baylee Corbello.
LSU’s next game following the midweek matchup against Nicholls comes this weekend against No. 6 Oklahoma.
The Sooners (24-3) are riding a 14 game win streak as they travel south to play Friday and Saturday at Tiger Park.
Senior infielder Lauren Chamberlain, who is five home runs away from setting the NCAA career home run record, is a key part of the Sooners’ offensive attack. She set the Big 12 record for runs scored in a career (235) during Tuesday’s game against Wichita State.
The Oklahoma lineup also boasts senior infielder Shelby Pendley, who hit seven home runs last weekend to earn NFCA Co-Player of the Week.
“We’re going to take on Oklahoma, which is outside of our conference, but they’re up there,” said sophomore infielder Sahvanna Jaquish. “They’ve been a top program.”
The Tigers have several midweek games against non-conference foes sprinkled throughout their remaining schedule, but the majority of their unplayed games comes against SEC foes. In the latest NFCA Poll, 10 of the nation’s top 25 teams are from the SEC.
The only currently unranked SEC team LSU faces is Ole Miss. LSU travels to No. 13 Kentucky, No. 14 Tennessee, No. 19 Missouri and No. 24 Mississippi State and hosts No. 9 Auburn and No. 23 Texas A&M.
Torina said the tough schedule is preparing the team for its goal of winning a national championship.
“We’re so lucky to be in the SEC and play the best of the best every single day,” Torina said. “I mean, 10 of 13 in the top 25, that’s just unheard of. It’s ridiculous how strong this league is, and we’re just really proud to be a part of it. We love the challenge and just enjoy being in the SEC.”
You can reach Jack on Twitter @Jack_TDR.