The No. 19 LSU softball team still has a bitter taste in its mouth from the 1-0 loss to Texas A&M in last season’s NCAA regional.
The Lady Tigers’ first step to redemption begins with the Wilson/DeMarini Tiger Classic this weekend, where they will host Louisiana Tech, Purdue and Bowling Green. LSU opens the season at home for the first time since 2008 with Louisiana Tech at 3 p.m., followed by Bowling Green in the second leg of a doubleheader.
LSU coach Yvette Girouard said the winter storm that brought freezing temperatures to Baton Rouge impacted the team’s preparation.
“I’m sure Purdue and Bowling Green haven’t seen too much of the dirt,” Girouard said. “Although I don’t know how advanced we are because the weather has played havoc with us also. I think this is the coldest spring beginning I can remember in a long time.”
LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri made his team’s indoor batting cages available to the Lady Tigers, but Girouard said nagging back injuries limited her players’ repetitions.
“When you carry 19 players and people start to go down, you have to be really careful about repetitions and keeping them healthy for six games in a weekend, much less 56 in a total season,” Girouard said.
Senior third baseman Jessica Mouse and senior outfielder Ashley Applegate both suffered injuries that will keep them out for the opener against Louisiana Tech.
The injuries will allow the coaching staff to shuffle players around in both the infield and outfield, and several newcomers should receive significant playing time. Sophomore pitcher Rachele Fico said the freshmen class brings speed, something Girouard made a point of emphasis to add in the offseason.
“We have so much speed, which adds to the intensity and pressure of the game,” Fico said. “[The freshmen] are lots of fun to watch, and they’re eager to learn. I can’t wait to see how they pan out this year, and I expect big things from all of them.”
Girouard placed high expectations on Fico, who is the team’s No. 1 starter this season. The reigning Southeastern Conference Co-Freshman of the Year appeared on USA Softball’s Player of the Year watch list. Girouard said the team’s success depends on its ace.
“She’s going to be our go-to girl,” Girouard said. “Things are going to rely on Rachele with how this team handles itself and how far we go with our goals. She wants the ball all the time, and she’s as good a competitor as I’ve ever coached.”
 
 
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Contact Hunter Paniagua at [email protected]