The No. 7 LSU softball team cruised past the University of Louisiana-Monroe 10-0 behind an eight hit, nine run second inning.
“I think our coaches had a really good plan going into today and it was just up to us to execute” senior outfielder Emily Griggs said.
Junior shortstop Amber Serrett started the second inning rally with a single through the left side. Sophomore Sydney Springfield then put one up the middle to score Serrett from second and give the Tigers a 1-0 lead.
Sophomore right fielder Claire Weinberger then reached on an error to load the bases. Senior outfielder Emily Griggs wasted no time with a two-run RBI-single to put the Tigers up 3-0.
Three more RBI-singles from sophomore left fielder Aliyah Andrews, junior third baseman Shemiah Sanchez and sophomore first baseman Amanda Doyle forced ULM to switch pitchers with just one out.
The pitching change didn’t stop the Tigers.
Serrett, who lead off the inning, came back up with an RBI-single. After ULM pitcher Arrin Dye walked both junior second baseman Becca Schulte and Springfield with the bases loaded, the Warhawks put starting pitcher Paige Murray back in the circle.
Serrett scored on a wild pitch to put the Tigers up 9-0 before Murray ended the inning by forcing a ground out.
LSU scored one more in the bottom of the third when Andrews stole home on a wild pitch, giving the Tigers s 10-0 lead.
“I thought they did exactly what we asked them to do,” LSU coach Beth Torina said. “They hit the pitches they were supposed to hit, they took things they were supposed to take, they got to see a lot of different look and we were able to be successful with all of them.”
Senior pitcher Carley Hoover continued to dominate in the circle, counting eleven strikeouts, three walks and just one hit.
“I felt good, I felt really efficient,” Hoover said. “I loved what coach was calling tonight. Michaela [Schlattman] and [freshman catcher CC Caccamise] both looked great behind the plate. Amber and a few others made a few plays in the field too. It always helps too when we come out and score nine in the second inning, I feel pretty comfortable out there.”
The Tigers return to action this weekend with a doubleheader against Central Arkansas and Louisiana Tech for the annual Purple and Gold Challenge.
