Tuesday’s midweek softball game against Southern Miss will be a little different for three LSU players.
First baseman Christy Connor, catcher Jennie Reeves and left fielder Megann Steege will play their last regular season home game in Tiger Park at 6:30 p.m. against Southern Miss, and emotions likely will run high.
LSU coach Yvette Girouard plans to start all three players but hopes the pregame festivities do not distract the players from the game.
“That’s always an emotional night for us,” Girouard said. “It’s the last time those players will wear the purple and gold at home. Hopefully we can send them out with a win.”
Connor, a three-year starter from Katy, Texas, and a transfer from Texas-San Antonio, is hitting .281 with eight home runs and 30 RBIs. She was the first recruit Girouard and her staff signed when they came to LSU in 2000. She earned 2002 All-SEC honors and ranks fourth in LSU career home runs.
“Connor has been a phenomenal hitter for us,” Girouard said.
Steege, who came to LSU from Fresno, Calif., is hitting .272 with eight RBIs. She has spilt time in left field with Camille Harris but likely is going to play the rest of the season with Harris out indefinitely with a broken arm.
“Megann has made some tremendous defensive plays for us,” Girouard said. “She’s worked real hard throughout her career to get better.”
Reeves, a Denham Springs native, has a .996 fielding percentage this year and ranks sixth all time in LSU history in fielding. Reeves has split time with Leigh Ann Danos behind the plate, playing more when Girouard wants a defensive lineup.
“Jennie’s really been a fan favorite at the park. She was the first person to welcome me to LSU. She gave me my first stuffed LSU tiger.”
The Tigers (43-12, 19-7 Southeastern Conference) face USM (25-26) for the second time this year. LSU blasted the Lady Eagles, 14-0, in Hattiesburg, Miss., on April 16.
Harris led LSU in that game, going 4-for-4 with a grand slam and six RBIs, and right fielder Alicia Owen was 3-for-4 with a pair of RBIs.
“We were just on fire that game,” Girouard said. “She [Harris] had a huge game against them, and hopefully it can give us confidence.”