As the LSU Tigers gear up for the 2025 softball season, excitement and anticipation are growing among fans and players. With a potent mix of veterans and promising newcomers, the team is ready to make an impact in the SEC and beyond.
After falling short to Stanford in the super regionals last May, the Tigers are returning with a vengeance this year. Especially since they haven’t advanced to the Women’s College World Series since 2017 under the coaching of Beth Torina, as she is also entering her 14th season with LSU, will this be the year of a great return?
At the heart of this team are several key returning players whose experience and leadership will be invaluable. Redshirt Senior Emilee Casanova, who has contributed to the team’s success, is back for her final season with the Tigers.
Casanova has consistently delivered in moments necessary, coming in to pitch, on average, 15 innings and 13 hits in the 2023-2024 season. Her leadership on and off the field will be crucial as the Tigers navigate a challenging season.
Pitcher Sydney Berzon is another vital piece of the puzzle for this season. After a stellar 2024 season in which she averaged about 347 innings played, which earned her 2024 All-SEC First Team, Berzon is expected to return this year with her ability to dominate on the diamond.
Being able to shut down opposing teams gives LSU a significant advantage. It ensures that they walk away triumphant at the end of the game, not with their heads hanging low. So, with such a range of pitches and a fierce competitive spirit, this season looks bright for her.
Complementing these experienced players, LSU is welcoming seven new girls to join the Tigers’ softball legacy. This recruiting class is one of the strongest classes that LSU has seen. Girls from all over the country are hungry to get playing time, which gives a promising look at leaving an impact on the program.
Freshman Alex Franklin, an infielder known for her ability to be not only fast but powerful as well, will be able to lend some help to the other infielders on the team. Her defensive skills and continued potential have already drawn comparisons to her ability to reach the top.
Another exciting addition is catcher Jada Philips, known for her quick reflexes and strong arm; she adds valuable depth to the catching rotation. Her arrival gives Torina more flexibility in managing the team and provides an additional weapon against tough SEC schools.
The SEC is still one of the toughest conferences in softball, featuring powerhouse programs like Alabama, Oklahoma, and Florida. LSU’s conference schedule is packed with high-stake tournaments that will test the team’s chemistry and grit from the off-season.
However, the non-conference schedule is equally intimidating. Early-season games against top-ranked teams like Penn State and Notre Dame are designed to prepare the Tigers for the rigors of SEC play.
There are several matchups that are sure to captivate the attention of softball fans. The annual showdown with Alabama is always a highlight, with both teams battling for dominance in the SEC. This year’s encounter promises to be another thrilling chapter in their long-standing need to be the best.
The entrance of Texas and Oklahoma in the SEC this season will bring high-profile games in the end-of-season SEC tournament, likely leading to the chance of clutching a ticket to the Women’s College World Series.
Overall, the Tigers have an uphill battle ahead of them for the 2025 season. It will be interesting to see how they use their strength and experienced coaches to try to walk home victorious this year.
