Earlier in the 2015-16 season, LSU coach Beth Torina said she wanted her team to play its “best softball” come postseason play.
Right now, LSU (37-13, 10-11 Southeastern Conference) is starting to find its groove of its weekend series into its first game against Arkansas, beginning at 6 pm. today.
After running through a stretch of playing four straight top-25 SEC opponents, Torina said her team can finally relax for a bit.
“It feels like we can breathe,” Torina said. “Just being beat down by the gauntlet we went through in SEC play, we can breathe this part of the year … We can almost come up for air at this point. We’re a lot more relaxed and more loose.”
A revitalized offense and more confidence could be the reason for to the team’s current ascension.
“Coach Beth has focused on details recently,” said senior catcher Kellsi Kloss. “It’s kind of evident [that] every little thing that we’re doing is getting better. When the little things come together, then the big thing happens, which is a win.”
During its seven-gamewin streak, the team is averaging 6.42 runs a game, and two of their victories have ended by way of mercy rule.
After starting the season ranked in the top five of the USA Today Coaches poll, the Tigers struggled against SEC opponents.
LSU posted a 3-6 record against conference foes in the month of March and were swept at home against Florida.
Ever since the Tigers’ 2-7 loss against Mississippi State April 15, LSU has used the date as a “turning point” for the season, Tigerplayers said.
Within the past 14 days since, LSU has outscored SEC opponents 34-5 in their last two series and, in total, have outscored opponents 45-8 during their streak, with two shutouts.
Sophomore pitcher Carley Hoover said the team is finding different ways to win.
“The pitching staff is pitching better,” Hoover said. “We’re playing defense better. We’re just doing everything a little bit better. “
The last regular SEC matchup season for the Tigers will be against one of the lesser teams in the conference.
The Razorbacks (17-33, 1-17 SEC) have the worst record in the SEC and 12th in the conference in runs scored, hits and batting percentage.
As the regular season comes to a close, sophomore outfielder Emily Griggs said the team’s main focus is to gather as many possible wins going forward.
“We’re playing like we’re having fun,” Griggs said. “At this point in the season Coach always talks about how we need wins, whether it’s in the bottom of the seventh or the first run of game that puts us apart. We’re just focusing on how to get as many wins as possible this late in the season.”