Like a well-oiled machine, the infield of the No. 18 LSU softball team is working in unison to maintain the core of one of the best defenses in the Southeastern Conference.The 2009 squad recorded a .962 fielding percentage, only committing 57 errors in the 53-game season.”We have a big goal on having the highest fielding percentage in the SEC,” said LSU assistant coach Kristen Hobbs. “We think that’s attainable with limiting our errors, making solid throws in practice and practicing the way we want to play.”LSU opens the season on the road at the Texas Invitational in Austin, Texas, on Feb. 12 in a doubleheader against No. 19 North Carolina and No. 21 DePaul. The Tigers, who finished second in the SEC West last season, have been picked by the SEC coaches to finish second in the SEC West again behind No. 2 Alabama. Anchoring the corners of the infield are junior third baseman Jessica Mouse and sophomore first baseman Anissa Young.”Anissa and Mouse are a big part of our team — Anissa with her bat and Mouse with her defense,” said sophomore catcher Morgan Russell.Mouse was named this season’s team captain after leading the infield throughout the 2009 season.Mouse led the starters last season in fielding percentage (.991) and had the fewest strikeouts among the starting nine (15).Young was second on the team in RBI (36), but unfortunately felt the opposing pitchers’ frustrations more than anyone and was hit by a pitch a team-leading 11 times last season.The infield hosts the team’s two new transfers, junior infielder Cassie Trosclair from Auburn and sophomore shortstop Heidi Pizer from Louisiana-Lafayette.Because of SEC transfer regulations, Trosclair will not be able to play for the Tigers during the 2010 season. Beginning in the 2011 season, she will have two years of eligibility remaining. Pizer, on the other hand, will be able to play for the Tigers and is expected to appear in the infield rotation.”Heidi Pizer has so much range,” Young said. “Her legs are so long, so she gets at everything.” Sophomore infielder Juliana Santos shined at shortstop during her freshman campaign. The Newman, Calif., native was named to the 2009 Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-South Region First Team and was also on the 2009 SEC All-Freshman Team.
Santos is expected to play at both shortstop and second base this season. Sophomore second baseman Courtney Hollier, who made appearances in 37 games last season, has been alternating with Santos throughout the fall at second base.”It’s going to be a good battle to see them fight that one out, because they are both working so hard out on the field,” Young said.Freshman utility player Allison Falcon arguably had the best fall practices on the team, Hobbs said, and is expected to see immediate playing time in the middle of the infield.”She’s got a strong bat, and she’s as smooth as anything in the infield,” Mouse said.Russell and freshman catcher Lauren Houston will rotate behind the plate throughout the season.Russell started 43 games in the Tigers’ 2009 campaign.Sophomore first baseman Lauren Capello and junior utility player Tiffany Shaw round out the infield.”Defensively, we are extremely solid,” said coach Yvette Girouard. “We have some interchangeable parts, which is good. We have some quality depth in the infield.”—————Contact Jarred LeBlanc at [email protected]