Rock bottom can’t be far off for the LSU softball team.
The No. 25 Tigers (15-11, 0-5) host No. 24 Kentucky (18-4, 4-1) this weekend at Tiger Park, hoping to snap a six-game losing streak. LSU most recently dropped a 7-0 decision Wednesday to Southern Miss, losing to the Golden Eagles for the first time since 2000.
“We’re a team that is lost in the desert right now,” LSU coach Yvette Girouard said in a news release. “And we have to battle our way through this rough stretch. We need some leadership to step up from within the team and get our confidence back.”
LSU dropped five straight to open Southeastern Conference play after being swept by No. 2 Florida and No. 1 Georgia in consecutive series.
The Tigers may have their hands full with a Kentucky team that has won four of its first five conference games. The Wildcats took two of three from Tennessee and swept a doubleheader with Arkansas to open conference play.
“Their coach, Rachel Lawson, has done a wonderful job of building their program,” Girouard said. “We’re going to have to be at our best if we want to get back on the winning track.”
The Tigers have found success against the Wildcats in the past. LSU has taken 33 of the previous 35 matchups with Kentucky.
The LSU offense has struggled to produce during the losing streak. The Tigers have been outscored 46-4 in the six losses, including four shutouts.
Freshman outfielder Simone Heyward has been the lone spark at the top of the order, leading the team with a .339 batting average. Heyward has reached base safely in 20 straight games before snapping the streak against Southern Miss.
The LSU offense could have trouble finding production at the plate against the Wildcats’ pitching staff. Kentucky pitchers have combined for a 1.78 ERA and have held opponents to a .186 batting average.
LSU pitchers haven’t fared much better than the offense during the losing streak. Sophomore Rachele Fico hasn’t won a game since March 6 against then-No. 12 Texas.
The opening game of the series marks the program’s third annual breast cancer survivor recognition game. LSU will acknowledge breast cancer survivors prior to the first pitch.
“We’re excited to do our part in bringing awareness to aid in breast cancer prevention and research,” Girouard said.
 
____
Contact Hunter Paniagua at [email protected]