The field has narrowed from 295 to just 8 teams left standing for the 2016 Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and LSU senior catcher Kellsi Kloss knows how fortunate her team is to be one of them
“The fact that only eight teams out of [the 295] make the World Series is something that is really special to us,” Kloss said. “We are one of eight teams left and we are so lucky, but also we worked really hard to get here. This is something we take a lot of pride in and we are going to win this thing.”
The No. 10 Tigers (50-16) will begin their championship chase against No. 2 Michigan at 8:30 p.m. LSU’s 2015 season ended at the hands of the Wolverines (51-5) in Oklahoma City, after a 6-3 loss sent them packing.
Michigan ultimately finished in second place a year ago and is the highest seed remaining. They are one of the front runners to claim the National Title as three of the eight National seeds were eliminated, including two-time defending National Champions and No. 1 overall seed Florida.
LSU sophomore center fielder Emily Griggs said the team is not looking back to last year’s loss heading into the matchup.
“Our kids understand they are the team that ended our season last year,” said LSU coach Beth Torina. “They are a great program. We have a ton of respect for them, but we are excited about the matchup. We’ll be prepared for them and we’ll be ready to go.”
But one Wolverine player can’t be dismissed – senior second baseman Sierra Romero.
Romero was named the 2016 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year on Tuesday. She is averaging .465 from the plate and is driving in 1.38 runs per game, while becoming the first player in NCAA history to record 300 runs, RBIs and hits during her career.
But LSU brings award-winning players of its own.
Senior infielder Bianka Bell and junior infielder Sahvanna Jaquish were named 2016 NFCA All-Americans on Wednesday. Bell earns the honor for the second time in her four-year career, while Jaquish was selected for the third time in as many seasons.
“Bianka and Sahvanna have really led our team, and they’re a big reason why we’re still playing today,” Torina said in a press release. “In our eyes, it’s considered a team award, and I know the players around them have continued to make them better. We’re honored to have them recognized.”
