The LSU softball team played its 11th straight game at home Wednesday night and defeated the Nicholls State Colonels, 8-0, in five innings.The Tigers (12-4) finally saw the field after rain and snow cancelled the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Columbus, Ga., last weekend.”We haven’t been on the field in quite a while, it seems like,” said junior pitcher Cody Trahan. “Just trying to get back in the groove of things.”The Tigers started the game off quickly with three hits, two stolen bases and two runs in the first inning.”That’s all on me,” said junior shortstop Kirstin Shortridge. “That’s my job as a lead-off. If I can get on and set the tone, I think it’s going to be contagious.”Shortridge did just that, as she went 3-for3 with two RBI, including a bases-loaded walk-off walk in the fifth inning. LSU junior pitcher Cody Trahan earned the win in the circle, pitching three innings, strucking out seven batters and giving up one hit.”Every time she pitches, she looks better and better,” said LSU coach Yvette Girouard.The loss snapped Nicholls State’s six-game winning streak, but the Colonels didn’t give up without a fight. The Tigers fended off a fifth-inning push from the Colonels when LSU freshman pitcher Brittany Mack struck out Nicholls State senior Kodi Butler with the bases loaded.Girouard walked to the circle and told Mack to relax.”Just breathe. That’s what I have written on my wrist,” Mack said. “Every time I go to the back of the mound, I tell myself that and relax.”Mack finished the last two innings in relief, striking out four, walking two and allowing one hit.The Tigers begin Southeastern Conference play Saturday when Kentucky travels to Baton Rouge for a three-game weekend series. LSU coach Yvette Girouard said she’s making sure to prepare her Tigers for conference play. “We made this mistake one time in our career here. We didn’t really explain the SEC to a very young team,” Girouard said. “They are going to get an education with how the SEC works tomorrow with a PowerpPoint presentation and all.”——Contact Jarred LeBlanc at [email protected]