Alexis Persicke
LSU softball junior catcher Maci Bergeron (12) rounds second base Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, during LSU's 6-0 win against Central Arkansas at Tiger Park in Baton Rouge, La.
The cold bats reignited late for LSU as they overcame McNeese Tuesday night.
The Tigers scrapped back despite their lack of hits to top the Cowgirls with a prominent long ball that turned the tide in the sixth inning.
Both teams tried their luck on the base paths, but LSU proved more successful. Maci Bergeron proved why she is the best catcher in purple and gold, and they continued to make the other team make mistakes.
The Tigers were hitless through four complete innings of softball and scoreless through five. McNeese wasn’t in much better shape, remaining scoreless until the fifth inning.
The Cowgirls scored first with a two-run single in the fifth inning. Jayden Heavener started in the circle for LSU and was tested in the fifth inning. She got in trouble with some walks and a timely McNeese hit.
The Tigers struck back in the top of the sixth inning by starting a rally, where they eventually scored. LSU redshirt freshman Tori Edwards broke it open with a home run in the same inning. Maddox McKee put her first career home run over the left-field fence to further the sixth-inning rally.
This team’s offense swings purposefully and knows how to respond to adversity.
After dropping two to South Carolina on Sunday, LSU got its act together against McNeese late, which is crucial going into an SEC series against Alabama.
The pitching staff needs to continue to keep the runs low when the bats are cold, and Heavener did just that. As expected, she responded well to the lead in the circle. Heavener’s confidence immediately picked up, and she became flawless.
After the Tigers took the lead, Heavener only allowed three base runners and no runs. The defense held out for her in the best way possible. LSU’s scrappiness has proven to dig it out of countless holes, and the deficit against McNeese was no exception. The Tigers topped the Cowgirls 12-2 in Lake Charles on Tuesday night.
The focus on playing all out has been shown through LSU’s slow starts this season. While there have been times it’s scored early and often, there have also been times it’s taken a slow start and blown up to make the win big.
If the Tigers can continue to steal momentum and let it build, they will be unstoppable for the remainder of SEC play. It’s not how they start but how they finish. This team’s resiliency and scrappiness through a third of a single softball season set a positive example for the program’s future.
Despite the youth on this team, LSU acts above its age. The Tigers’ immature moments are few and far between. The mistakes made along the way only toughen this team for the postseason. Taking a beating over the weekend and bouncing back the way they did is crucial to building a resilient group.
The Tigers will play again at home against Alabama for a three-game series beginning Friday.