LSU softball is days away from Thursday’s season opener against NC State, and head coach Beth Torina and her team look to be all in heading into the 2026 season.
With a disappointing ending to last season after losing against Southeastern Louisiana in its NCAA regional round, Torina and her coaching staff decided to make change by signing 11 new players to this year’s roster.
With nearly half of the team suiting up in the purple and gold for the first time, it is important for Tiger fans to grasp what to know before their team takes the field in Tiger Park this season.
Over the offseason, LSU reeled in five new transfers and six freshmen. Kentucky transfer Ally Hutchins was one of three players from the portal the Tigers signed that were from the SEC.
Other notable SEC players that will be in the purple and gold are Oklahoma transfer Paytn Monticelli and Mississippi State transfer Kylee Edwards.
Signing these experienced players will look to give LSU depth in the infield, specifically Hutchins, who started all 58 games at third base for the Wildcats last season.
San Diego State transfer Cece Cellura and Louisville transfer Char Lorenz look to also provide that veteran experience for the Tigers headed into their season opener. Not only did Torina sign a “home run” portal class, but also signed a talented freshman class, particularly Rylie Johnson, Ashlin Mowery and Ci’ella Pickett, who were all named to D1 Softball’s D100 Freshmen Watchlist.
In addition to those pickups, retaining star returners like redshirt sophomore Tori Edwards, senior Maci Bergeron and senior Jalia Lassiter will be crucial for the Tigers.
Torina announced during Softball Media Day that these three players will be the team’s captain for the year, something that hasn’t been done in years.
Edwards, Bergeron and Lassiter combined for 30 home runs in 2025 and hope to continue leading this offense.
Going into this year, LSU has won over 40 games in the last three seasons and is looking to continue that streak.
The Tigers come into the season at No.13 in the country and will seek to get over the hump by getting to the College World Series for the first time since 2017.
Torina, now entering her 15th season at LSU, is excited for a potential home run type of season for the Tigers.
No. 13 LSU will open its 2026 season Thursday, February 5th against NC State at 6 p.m. CT.
