The No. 23 LSU softball team returns to Southeastern Conference competition against Ole Miss (16-26, 2-16 SEC) on Friday after going 1-5 on the road in-conference the past two weekends.
On the heels of an 8-1 loss to No. 22 Florida State on Wednesday night, the Tigers (30-14, 11-6) had one practice Thursday to turn things around before facing a scuffling Rebels squad, losers of eight straight games.
“We’ll get them out here [Thursday], get going and do some things to help us be more prepared and feel good and try to get back on the right foot,” said LSU coach Beth Torina.
LSU senior pitcher Brittany Mack, who gave up five runs in three-and-a-third innings in a loss Thursday against the Seminoles, said she’ll have no problem shaking off the poor outing.
“We just have to make sure we get over this and blow it past us,” Mack said. “That way, we can just get ready for this weekend and take it out on Ole Miss.”
Florida State put two runs on the board in the first frame and again in the third – something Mack said can have a negative effect on the Tigers at the plate.
“I have to make sure I start off stronger so I can give my hitters a positive first at-bat,” Mack said.
LSU senior left fielder Ashley Langoni said the Tigers have the tools to get back to their winning ways, but it will require an attitude adjustment.
“These next three games, we need to get back to how we felt against ‘Bama, Tennessee and now Florida State,” Langoni said. “Right now, I think we’re low on confidence.”
Langoni said there’s a simple cure for a lack of confidence, and it’s to amp up the competitiveness on the field.
“If you’re an athlete, you’re going to bounce back from that, no matter what,” Langoni said. “It shouldn’t take an outside source to get you pumped up to come out and play every day.”
After two consecutive road-SEC series, the Tigers will face the Rebels in the friendly confines of Tiger Park for three games.
“It’s good to be back home,” Mack said.
Tiger Park may feel extra friendly on the weekend,
considering the Rebels’ anemic 2-10 record on the road.
Ole Miss’ road wins came on a Wednesday night doubleheader against Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark., on March 7.
Saturday’s 6 p.m. contest marks the Tigers’ inaugural “Strikeout Ovarian Cancer” event, also known as the “Teal Game.” LSU will wear teal jerseys to honor those stricken with the disease and its survivors, and the team encourages fans to do the same. 
LSU coach Beth Torina’s mother, Betty Dieter, is a survivor of ovarian cancer and will throw out one of the game’s ceremonial first pitches.
 
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Contact Scott Branson at [email protected]