While LSU fans may not want to admit it, Texas could play a major role in the Tigers’ success this softball season. No. 10 LSU (29-7, 8-3) enters tonight’s home game against McNeese State (15-25, 8-7) with the Tigers’ first three batters hailing from the Lone Star State. Sophomore center fielder Jazz Jackson and sophomore right fielder Rachel Mitchell came to LSU from Texas this past season along with sophomore pitcher Cody Trahan. Mitchell said the chance to come to LSU with other Texans made the transition more comfortable. “I played summer ball with Cody before we even got here and met Jazz before we came here,” Mitchell said. “We all were acquainted before we even got to school here, so it made it easier to adjust.” Another beneficial factor in the young Texans’ transition was the Tigers’ leadoff hitter, senior designated player Dee Dee Henderson. Henderson, a fellow Texas-native, lived with the three incoming freshmen this past year. “It helped us quite a bit because she knew when to do stuff and when not to do stuff,” Jackson said. “Getting up so early for workouts, for instance, was new to us, so she did help us by making sure she didn’t leave. It was good, and we all became pretty good friends.” Jackson said it was particularly helpful for her and Mitchell that Henderson was a similar player. “It always helps to have someone in your apartment who plays in the outfield with you, and we were the only two slappers last year,” Jackson said. “It helps to build our relationship when we’re going to be spending so much time together on the field and off it.” LSU coach Yvette Girouard said the four players’ similar backgrounds help them relate to one another. “They like being called the ‘Texas Tigers,'” Girouard said. “They think that’s a cool thing, and they wear the T-shirts proudly.” Mitchell explained the T-shirts were shirts the roommates bought from Tiger Mania. “They were just typical gameday shirts that said, ‘Texas Tigers,'” Mitchell said. This season the Texans have stepped into more prominent, defined roles, consistently starting off the Tigers’ batting order. Henderson and Jackson lead things off trying to slap their way on base and allow the Tigers’ power hitters to drive them home. “I’m not the one who’s trying to hit home runs or doubles and triples,” Jackson said. “I just want to get a single. As long as I’m on base in position for my teammates like Rachel or [senior catcher] Killian [Roessner], I feel like I’ve done my job.” The three Texas batters have used that attitude to become three of the Tigers’ top five hitters along with Roessner and senior second baseman Shannon Stein. Henderson, Jackson and Mitchell bat .306, .281 and .379, respectively. Mitchell is also No. 2 on the team with 27 RBIs and No. 3 with four home runs. Girouard said while this is Henderson’s final season and Jackson and Mitchell are both already among the Tigers’ top producers, the sophomores still have some kinks to work out, and their future may be even more promising. “When I think they’re getting in a groove, we have a little set back,” Girouard said. “But they are very good players, and they are going to be great players for the Tigers when their careers are over with.”
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