The LSU softball team has one more obstacle to overcome tonight before hosting No. 1 Alabama this weekend.
Nicholls State (9-23) travels to Baton Rouge to face the Tigers (21-12) for the third time this season. LSU has outscored the Colonels 19-2 in two victories, each game only lasting five innings because of the mercy rule.
Freshman pitcher Meghan Patterson (6-1) found success in previous Nicholls matchups, recording wins in both games and allowing just two runs and three hits in eight innings of work.
But LSU coach Yvette Girouard hasn’t let her team fall into a comfort zone, regardless of past successes.
“We’ve played them twice, and you can’t take anyone for granted,” Girouard said. “Any time you play this many games, anything can happen when you step on the field.”
LSU has dominated the series between the two programs, winning 21 of the 22 meetings. Nicholls’ lone victory came in 1998, the first matchup between the two teams.
The Tigers have also mowed down in-state opponents this season. LSU has won all seven matchups with Louisiana foes.
“We’re going in like every other game and hoping to keep our momentum,” said Tammy Wray, freshman third baseman. “We’ve been hitting so well, and the pitchers have been on. Hopefully we can take that into tomorrow’s game.”
LSU rides a six-game winning streak after sweeping Arkansas last week in Fayetteville, Ark.
This game marks the first LSU home game since March 20. Girouard said players are relieved to return to Tiger Park and play in front of their families.
“Everyone’s so fired up because they have family coming,” Girouard said. “This is a nice little home stretch, so they have planned the season around coming in at this time. It should be a great atmosphere out here.”
Seniors Ashley Applegate and Jessica Mouse remain benched indefinitely with injuries, forcing Girouard to use 26 lineup combinations this season.
 
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