The No. 10 LSU softball team was expected to cruise past LIU Brooklyn in its Baton Rouge Regional opener of the NCAA Tournament on Friday.
The Blackbirds (30-26) kept it interesting, but the Tigers’ (46-15) offense plated runs in five of the six innings and ultimately claimed the contest, 10-2.
“LIU [Brooklyn] was a tough opponent. We all understand why they are here,” said LSU coach Beth Torina. “They play solid softball in all aspects – offensively, defensively and on the mound.I like how [LSU] fought and continued to battle throughout the game. As soon as Long Island scored, we were able to answer right back.”
LSU loaded the bases in each of the first two frames but could only muster one run. The squad tacked on another, taking a 2-0 advantage into the fourth.
LIU Brooklyn responded with a pair of runs to equalize the contest. After the first Blackbird run, Tiger freshman pitcher Sydney Smith was replaced with sophomore ace Carley Hoover.
Hoover gave up an RBI-single but stopped the bleeding before LIU Brooklyn could take the lead. She stifled LIU Brooklyn for the remainder of the game allowing only two hits and striking out four.
“I hated that we had to go to her tonight,” Torina said. “She’s prepared to do whatever we need her to do, and I think she did exactly what we needed her to do.”
The Tigers received offensive output from nearly the entire batting order. Eight Tigers notched hits, but senior first baseman Sandra Simmons boasted the best effort.
The Fountain Valley, California native went 4-for-4 from the plate, including two doubles and a triple.
“I was going in there trying to lead the team in a way they needed to be lead,” Simmons said. “I didn’t think about getting on base or anything like that, but trying to stay in a plan that we had prepared.”
LSU recorded 15 hits and manufactured a five-run sixth inning to produce the margin needed to enact the mercy rule. Freshman reserve Elyse Thornhill secured a pinch-hit, two-RBI single
The Tigers have a quick turn around to face McNeese State,opening day two of the Regional at noon Saturday. LSU is familiar with the Cowgirls after defeating them, 5-2, in a midweek matchup earlier this season.
“We have a ton of respect for them and their program. They always give us a great game,” Torina said. It’ll definitely be a great matchup. We’ll have to play our best game in order to stay in the ballgame with them.”
